Co-molded golf putter with integral interlocking features

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a co-molded putter-type golf club head comprising a high-density chassis made of a first material and a low-density putter-type body made of a second material. The first material can be a high density metal (i.e., steel or tungsten, but not limited to). The second material can be a low density thermoplastic composite (i.e., polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), but not limited to). The chassis comprises a flow aperture, and one or more interlocking features. The putter-type body portion encases the entirety of the at least one interlocking feature. Further, the putter-type body encapsulates the chassis such that the body extends through, and completely fills the flow aperture, to interlock the body and chassis, and thus form the club head. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/811,503,filed on Mar. 6, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,452,922, issued on Sep. 27,2022, which claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No.62/814,770, filed on Mar. 6, 2019, the contents all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and moreparticularly, to co-molded golf putters with integral interlockingfeatures.

BACKGROUND

Typically putter type golf club heads are formed from metallic materialssuch as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or tungsten. These metallicmaterials are often combined to create a putter head, wherein theperipheral portion of the putter contains a high-density metal toincrease the moment of inertia (MOI) of the putter. However, combiningtwo metallic materials can create an extremely heavy putter orhigh-volume putter, without maximizing the MOI, thus creating anunforgiving or bulky putter. There is a need in the art to combinelightweight composite materials with high-density metallic materials tocreate a high-MOI putter with a modest weight and volume, no matter theoverall design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a putter-type golf club.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the combination of aputter-type body and a chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 . illustrates a top view of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golfclub of FIG. 1

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of a putter-type golf clubwith one or more weights.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the combination of aputter-type body and a chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the chassis and one ormore weights of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the putter-type golf clubof FIG. 5 .

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of another putter-type golfclub.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the combination of aputter-type body and a chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golfclub of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of a chassis interlocking feature.

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of an alternate chassis interlockingfeature.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of an alternate chassis interlockingfeature.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of an alternate chassis interlockingfeature.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of an alternate chassis interlockingfeature.

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of an alternate chassis interlockingfeature.

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of an alternate chassis interlockingfeature.

FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of an alternate chassis interlockingfeature.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of an alternate chassis interlockingfeature.

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of another putter-type golf club.

FIG. 23 illustrates a top view of the combination of a putter-type bodyand a chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 22

FIG. 24 illustrates a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golfclub of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 25 illustrates a front exploded view of the putter-type golf clubof FIG. 22 .

FIG. 26 illustrates a rear perspective view of another putter-type golfclub.

FIG. 27 illustrates a rear perspective view of the combination of aputter-type body and a chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 26 .

FIG. 28 illustrates a front perspective view of the chassis of theputter-type golf club of FIG. 26 .

FIG. 29 illustrates a rear perspective view of another putter-type golfclub.

FIG. 30 illustrates a rear view of the combination of a putter-type bodyand a chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golfclub of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 32 illustrates a front perspective view of the combination of theputter-type body and chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 29 .

FIG. 33 illustrates a rear perspective view of another putter-type golfclub.

FIG. 34 illustrates a rear perspective view of the combination of aputter-type body and a chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 33 .

FIG. 35 illustrates rear perspective view of the chassis of theputter-type golf club of FIG. 33 .

FIG. 36 illustrates a front perspective view of the chassis of theputter-type golf club of FIG. 33 .

FIG. 37 illustrates a rear perspective view of another putter-type golfclub.

FIG. 38 illustrates a rear perspective view of the combination of aputter-type body and a chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 37 .

FIG. 39 illustrates a bottom view of the chassis of the putter-type golfclub of FIG. 37 .

FIG. 40 illustrates rear perspective view of the chassis of theputter-type golf club of FIG. 37 .

FIG. 41 illustrates a bottom assembly view of the putter-type golf clubof FIG. 37 .

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION

I. Putter Golf Club Head

Described herein is a putter-type golf club head comprising ahigh-density chassis made of a first material such as a high densitymetal (e.g., steel or tungsten, but not limited to) and a low densityputter-type body portion, made of a second material, such as a lowdensity thermoplastic composite (i.e., polycarbonate, polyurethane,polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), but notlimited to). The chassis comprises a flow aperture, and one or moreinterlocking features. The putter-type body portion encases the entiretyof the at least one interlocking feature(s). Further, the putter-typebody encapsulates the chassis such that the body extends through, andcompletely fills the flow aperture, to interlock the body and chassis,and thus form the club head. This combination of a high density chassis,surrounded by a low density putter-type body portion results, in anincrease of MOI about a y-axis of at least 5%, over a putter with thesame volume, mass, and an entire metallic material construction (i.e., aputter milled of a single material such as a steel putter or a putterinvestment cast of a single material). Furthermore, the combination of alow density thermoplastic composite body and a high density chassis, canlead to improvements in the sound of the putter, as well as decreasedmanufacturing costs.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variationsthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises alist of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but mayinclude other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process,method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the followingdrawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways.

In many embodiments, the golf club head can comprise a putter-type golfclub head (the putter type golf club head 100, 1100, 2100, 3100 4100 . .. etc.). FIGS. 1-41 illustrate multiple embodiments of a putter-typegolf club head having a chassis and putter-type body integrally formedtogether. The putter-type golf club head can be a mallet-type putterhead, mid-mallet type putter head, a blade type putter head, a high MOIputter head, or any other type of putter-type golf club head.

The putter-type golf club head 100 comprises a chassis 102 andputter-type body 104 (can also be referred to as the body 104). Theputter-type body 104 can partially or entirely enclose (or encapsulate)the chassis 102 to form the features of the putter-type golf club head100. The golf club head 100 can comprise a toe end 106, and a heel end108 opposite the toe end 106. The golf club head 100 can comprise astriking surface 110, and a rear portion 112 opposite the strikingsurface 110. Further, the putter-type golf club head 100 can comprise analignment feature 114. The putter-type golf club head 100 comprises asole 117. The sole 117 spans from the heel end 108 to the toe end 106,and from the striking surface 110 to the rear portion 112. The sole is117 is positioned in a ground plane, when the putter 100 is at anaddress position (i.e., in a position to strike a golf ball). Theputter-type golf club head 100 comprises a crown 115, wherein the crown115 is opposite the sole 117. The crown 115 spans from the heel end 108to the toe end 106, and from the striking surface 110 to the rearportion 112. The crown 115 is visible by the golfer when the putter 100is at an address position.

The golf club head 100 striking surface 110 comprises a loft plane (notshown). The loft place is tangent to the striking surface 110. The loftplane intersects the ground plane, such that to form a loft angle. Inmany embodiments, the putter-type golf club head can have a loft angleless than 10 degrees. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the clubhead can be between 0 and 5 degrees, between 0 and 6 degrees, between 0and 7 degrees, or between 0 and 8 degrees. For example, the loft angleof the club head can be less than 10 degrees, less than 9 degrees, lessthan 8 degrees, less than 7 degrees, less than 6 degrees, or less than 5degrees. For further example, the loft angle of the club head can be 0degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees.

The golf club head 100 comprises a golf club head center of gravity thatis positioned within the golf club. The center of gravity is averagelocation of a weight of the golf club head 100. Referring to FIG. 1 ,the golf club head 100 further comprises a y-axis that is positionedwithin the center of gravity, is perpendicular to the ground plane, inextends in a direction away from the golf club head 100 crown 115. They-axis is the axis that which the heel end 108 and toe end 106 rotateabout during a putting stroke with club head 100. Improving the MOIabout the y-axis prevents the golf club head from rotating about they-axis, thus leading to straighter putts.

Furthermore, the putter-type golf club head 100 can comprise a hosel 119attached to the heel end 108 of the golf club head 100. In someembodiments, the hosel 119 may be attached to a center (not shown) ofthe putter-type golf club head 100. The hosel 119 may be integrallyformed with the putter-type body 104 of the putter-type golf club head100. The hosel 119 may be integrally formed with the chassis 102 of theputter-type golf club head 100.

The golf club head 100 may comprise two or more materials. The chassis102 can comprise a first material. The putter-type body 104 can comprisea second material. The first material is different than the secondmaterial. The first material has a first density. The second materialhas a second density. The first density is not the same as the seconddensity. The first density can be greater than the second density.

In many embodiments, the putter-type golf club head 100 can have a massthat ranges between 320 and 385 grams. In other embodiments, the mass ofthe putter-type golf club head 100 can range between 320 grams-325grams, 325 grams-330 grams, 330 grams-335 grams, 335 grams-340 grams,340 grams-345 grams, 345 grams-350 grams, 350 grams-355 grams, 355grams-360 grams, 360 grams-365 grams, 365 grams-370 grams, 370 grams-375grams, 375 grams-380 grams, or 380 grams-385 grams. In some embodiments,the mass of the putter-type golf club head can be 320 grams, 321 grams,322 grams, 323 grams, 324 grams, 325 grams, 326 grams, 327 grams, 328grams, 329 grams, 330 grams, 331 grams, 332 grams, 333 grams, 334 grams,335 grams, 336 grams, 337 grams, 338 grams, 339 grams, 340 grams, 341grams, 342 grams, 343 grams, 344 grams, 345 grams, 346 grams, 347 grams,348 grams, 349 grams, 350 grams, 351 grams, 352 grams, 353 grams, 354grams, 355 grams, 356 grams, 357 grams, 358 grams, 359 grams, 360 grams,361 grams, 362 grams, 363 grams, 364 grams, 365 grams, 366 grams, 367grams, 368 grams, 369 grams, 370 grams, 371 grams, 372 grams, 373 grams,374 grams, 375 grams, 376 grams, 377 grams, 378 grams, 379 grams, 380grams, 381 grams, 382 grams, 383 grams, 384 grams, or 385 grams.

In many embodiments, the putter type golf club head 100 can comprise aclub head volume ranging between 25 cc and 125 cc. In some embodiments,the club head volume can range between 25 cc-30 cc, 30 cc-35 cc, 35cc-40 cc, 40 cc-45 cc, 45 cc-50 cc, 50 cc-55 cc, 55 cc-60 cc, 60 cc-65cc, 65 cc-70 cc, 70 cc-75 cc, 75 cc-80 cc, 80 cc-85 cc, 85 cc-90 cc, 90cc-95 cc, 95 cc-100 cc, 100 cc-105 cc, 105 cc-110 cc, 110 cc-115 cc, 115cc-120 cc, or 120 cc-125 cc. In one embodiment, the club head volume canrange between 40 cc-110 cc. In some embodiments, the club head volumecan be greater than 25 cc, greater than 50 cc, greater than 75 cc, orgreater than 100 cc.

In some embodiments, the putter type golf club head 100 can comprise astriking surface 110. The striking surface 110 can be made of the firstmaterial or the second material. In other embodiments, the strikingsurface 110 can be made of a third material. In these embodiments, thethird material of the striking surface 110 can be any one or combinationof the following: a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler.Exemplary thermoplastic polymer matrix materials include polycarbonate(PC), polyester (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA) (e.g.polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 6-6 (PA66), polyamide-12 (PA12),polyamide-612 (PA612), polyamide 11 (PA11)), thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU), polyphthalamide (PPA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene ether/oxide (PPE), polyoxymethylene(POM), polypropylene (PP), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN),polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrilestyrene acrylate (ASA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK),polyether ketone (PEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES),polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), thermoplasticelastomer (TPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), oralloys of the above described thermoplastic materials, such as an alloyof acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) or analloy of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide (PA).

In some embodiments, the striking surface 110 can be integrally formedto the putter-type body 104. In most embodiments, the striking surface110 can be integrally formed to the club head 100 by co-molding,injection molding, casting, additive manufacturing or other formingprocess. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic composite material caninclude thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the thermoplastic polymermatrix material. TPU comprises a chemical structure consisting of linearsegmented block copolymers having hard and soft segments. In someembodiments, the hard segments comprise aromatic or aliphaticstructures, and the soft segments comprise polyether or polyesterchains. In other embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer matrix materialcomprising TPU can have a hard and soft segments with different chemicalstructures.

In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 25 and 41 , the putter-type golfclub head 100 can comprise a strike face insert 116, positioned on orwithin the striking surface 110. In these embodiments, the strike faceinsert 116 is independently formed prior to being coupled to the clubhead 100. The side of the strike face insert 116 that will contact theclub head 100 can comprise a geometry complementary to the geometry ofthe corresponding portion (i.e., a cavity in the striking surface of theputter-type golf club head) of the club head 100 that will contact thestriking surface 110. In some embodiments, the strike face insert 116can be made of the first material, the second material, or the thirdmaterial. In many embodiments, the putter head 100, can comprise achassis 102, of the first material, a putter-type body 104, of thesecond material, and a strike face insert 116, comprising the thirdmaterial.

The strike face insert 116 can be secured to the club head 100 by beingintegrally formed to a portion of the club head 100 or by a fasteningmeans. In some embodiments, the strike face insert 116 is secured to theputter-type body 104. In these embodiments, in reference to FIGS. 25 and41 , the putter-type body 104 can comprise an insert cavity 118, whereinthe cavity 118 functions to receive the strike face insert 116. In otherembodiments (not shown), the strike face insert 116 is secured to thechassis 104. In these embodiments, the chassis 102 can comprise theinsert cavity 118. The chassis insert cavity 118 functions to receivethe strike face insert 116. The strike face insert 116 can be secured byan adhesive such as glue, very high bond (VHB™) tape, epoxy or anotheradhesive. Alternately or additionally, the strike face insert 116 can besecured by welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanicalinterlock structure, or another fastening method.

The strike face insert 116 can comprise any one or layered combinationof the following materials: aluminum, stainless steel, copper,thermoplastic co-polyester elastomer (TPC), thermoplastic elastomer(TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), steel, nickel, TPU/aluminum,TPE/aluminum, plastic/metal screen insert, polyethylene, polypropylene,polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, PEBAX®, orany other desired material. PEBAX® is a polyether block amide that is athermoplastic elastomer made of a flexible polyether and rigidpolyamide. The rigid polyamide can comprise Nylon. The PEBAX® cancomprise different compounds that correspond to different Shore Dhardness values, polyether percentages, and/or polyamide percentages. Inmany embodiments, the PEBAX® can comprise a PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, ParisFrance) or a PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France). The PEBAX® 4033(Arkema, Paris France) comprises a tetra methylene oxide (53% wt) and aNylon 12. The PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) comprises a Nylon 11.

The PEBAX® can comprise a percentage of polyether by volume. In someembodiments, the PEBAX® can comprise 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%,20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 50%, 30% to 60%, 40% to 50%, 40% to 60%,50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% polyether by volume. For example, the PEBAX®can comprise 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%,60%, 65%, or 70% of polyether by volume. In some embodiments, the PEBAX®can comprise 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%,40% to 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% of polyamide byvolume. For example, the PEBAX® can comprise 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%,30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% of polyamide by volume.As the percentage of polyether percentage increases, the hardness of thePEBAX® decreases. As the percentage of polyamide percentage increases,the hardness of the PEBAX® increases. For example, the PEBAX® 4033(Arkema, Paris France) can comprise 40% to 60% polyether by volume and15% to 30% polyamide by volume. For example, the PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema,Paris France) can comprise 15% to 30% polyether by volume and 40% to 60%polyamide by volume.

In many embodiments, the PEBAX® can comprise a hardness ranging fromShore 25D to Shore 75D. In some embodiments, the hardness of the PEBAXcan range from Shore 25D to Shore 35D, Shore 35D to Shore 45D, Shore 36Dto Shore 44D, Shore 38D to Shore 42D, Shore 45D to Shore 55D, Shore 55Dto Shore 65D, Shore 56D to Shore 64D, Shore 60D to Shore 65D, or Shore65D to Shore 75D. For example, the hardness of the PEBAX can be Shore D25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70.

In many embodiments, the PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprisea lower hardness than the PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France). In manyembodiments, the PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise ahardness range of Shore 35D to Shore 55D. In some embodiments, thePEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise a hardness range ofShore 38D to Shore 42D, or Shore 39D to Shore 41D. For example, thePEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can be comprise a Shore D hardness of40. In many embodiments, the PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) cancomprise a hardness range of Shore 50D to Shore 75D. In someembodiments, the PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise ahardness range of Shore 55D to Shore 70D, or Shore 60D to Shore 65D. Forexample, the PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise a Shore Dhardness of 63.

In some embodiments, FIGS. 25 and 41 , the strike face insert 116 cancomprise a two-component system. The two-component system can comprise aball striking face plate 169 and a face insert base 171. The ballstriking face plate 169 of the face insert 116 can comprise a fourthmaterial. The face insert base 171 of the face insert 116 can comprise afifth material.

In many embodiments, the fourth material of the ball striking face plate169 and the fifth material of the face insert base 171 can be different.In some embodiments, the fourth material of the ball striking face plate169 and the fifth material of the face insert base 171 can be similar.In many embodiments, the fourth material of the ball striking face plate169 can comprise a polymer type material. In some embodiments, thefourth material of the ball striking face plate 169 can comprise ametallic material. In many embodiments, the fifth material of thestriking face insert base 171 can comprise a polymer type material. Inmost embodiments, the putter head 100, can comprise a chassis 102, ofthe first material, a putter-type body 104, of the second material, anda strike face insert 116, comprising the fourth and fifth material.

The fourth material can comprise a metal such as steel, steel alloys,tungsten, tungsten alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titaniumalloys, vanadium, vanadium alloys, chromium, chromium alloys, cobalt,cobalt alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, other metals, other metal alloys,composite polymer materials or any combination thereof.

The fourth material or the fifth material can comprise a polymer typematerial. The polymer type material can comprise polyethylene,polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other polymer type material. In many embodiments, theface insert 116 can comprise a PEBAX®. More specifically, the PEBAX® isa polyether block amide that is a thermoplastic elastomer made of aflexible polyether and rigid polyamide. The rigid polyamide can compriseNylon. The PEBAX® can comprise different compounds that correspond todifferent Shore D hardness values, polyether percentages, and/orpolyamide percentages. In many embodiments, the PEBAX® can comprise aPEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) or a PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, ParisFrance). The PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) comprises atetramethylene oxide (53% wt) and a Nylon 12. The PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema,Paris France) comprises a Nylon 11. The fourth material and the fifthmaterial can comprise similar polyether percentages, polyamidepercentages, or Shore D hardness values as described above.

The ball striking face plate 169 of the face insert 116 can comprise athickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking faceplate 169 can range from 0.015 to 0.115 inch. In some embodiments, thethickness of the ball striking face plate 169 can range from 0.015 to0.045 inch, 0.020 to 0.050 inch, 0.025 to 0.055 inch, 0.050 to 0.100inch, 0.055 to 0.105 inch, 0.060 to 0.110, or 0.065 to 0.115 inch. Insome embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 canbe at least 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050,0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10,0.105, 0.110, or 0.115 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of theball striking face plate 169 can be greater than or equal to 0.015,0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065,0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0.115inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate169 can be less than or equal to 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035,0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085,0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0.115 inch. For example, thethickness of the ball striking face plate 169 can be 0.015, 0.020,0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070,0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0.115 inch.

In other embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169can range from 0.115 to 0.40 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness ofthe ball striking face plate 169 can range from 0.115 to 0.20 inch, 0.15to 0.30 inch, 0.20 to 0.30 inch, 0.25 to 0.35 inch, or 0.30 to 0.40inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate169 can be at least 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inch. In someembodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 can begreater than or equal to 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40. In someembodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 can beless than or equal to 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inch. Forexample, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 can be 0.15,0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inch.

The face insert base 171 of the face insert 116 can comprise athickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base171 can range from 0.05 to 0.20 inch. In some embodiment, the thicknessof the face insert base 171 can range from 0.05 to 0.10 inch, or 0.10 to0.20 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base171 can be at least 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inch. In some embodiments,the thickness of the face insert base 171 can be greater than or equalto 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness ofthe face insert base 171 can be less than or equal to 0.05, 0.10, 0.15,or 0.20 inch. For example, the thickness of the face insert base 171 canbe 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inch.

In other embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 canrange from 0.20 to 0.80 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of theface insert base 171 can range from 0.20 to 0.50 inch, 0.30 to 0.60inch, 0.40 to 0.70 inch, or 0.50 to 0.80 inch. In some embodiment, thethickness of the face insert base 171 can range from 0.20 to 0.40 inch,0.30 to 0.50 inch, 0.40 to 0.60 inch, 0.50 to 0.70 inch, or 0.60 to 0.80inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 canbe at least 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65,0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the faceinsert base 171 of the face insert 116 can be greater than or equal to0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75,or 0.80 inch. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base171 can be less than or equal to 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45,0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inch. For example, thethickness of the face insert base 171 can be 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35,0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inch.

In many embodiments, the chassis 102 of the putter-type golf club head100 comprises the first material. The first material comprises a firstdensity. The chassis 102 can range between 7.0 g/cc and 20.0 g/cc. Insome embodiments, the first density can range between 7.0-7.5 g/cc,7.5-8.0 g/cc, 8.0-8.5 g/cc, 8.5-9.0 g/cc, 9.0-9.5 g/cc, 9.5-10.0 g/cc,10.0-10.5 g/cc, 10.5-11.0 g/cc, 11.0-11.5 g/cc, 11.5-12.0 g/cc,12.0-12.5 g/cc, 12.5-13.0 g/cc, 13.0-13.5 g/cc, 13.5-14.0 g/cc,14.0-14.5 g/cc, 14.5-15.0 g/cc, 15.0-15.5 g/cc, 15.5-16.0 g/cc,16.0-16.5 g/cc, 16.5-17.0 g/cc, 17.0-17.5 g/cc, 17.5-18.0 g/cc,18.0-18.5 g/cc, 18.5-19.0 g/cc, or 19.0-19.5 g/cc, or 19.5-20.0 g/cc. Inone embodiment, the first density of the first material in the chassis102 can range between 8.0-9.0 g/cc. In some embodiments, the firstdensity can be 7.0 g/cc, 7.5 g/cc, 8.0 g/cc, 8.5 g/cc, 9.0 g/cc, 9.5g/cc, 10.0 g/cc, 10.5 g/cc, 11.0 g/cc, 11.5 g/cc, 12.0 g/cc, 12.5 g/cc,13.0 g/cc, 13.5 g/cc, 14.0 g/cc, 14.5 g/cc, 15.0 g/cc, 15.5 g/cc, 16.0g/cc, 16.5 g/cc, 17.0 g/cc, 17.5 g/cc, 18.0 g/cc, 18.5 g/cc, 19.0 g/cc,19.5 g/cc, or 20.0 g/cc.

The chassis 102 of the putter-type golf club 100 having the firstmaterial can be made from any one or more combination of the followingmaterials (densities provided): 8620 alloy steel (7.83 g/cc), S25C steel(7.85 g/cc), carbon steel (7.85 g/cc), maraging steel (8.00 g/cc), 17-4stainless steel (7.81 g/cc), 303 stainless steel (8.03 g/cc), 304stainless steel (8.00 g/cc), stainless steel alloy (7.75 g/cc-8.05g/cc), tungsten (19.25 g/cc), manganese (7.43 g/cc) or any metalsuitable for creating a golf club head. In many embodiments, the chassis102 is made of 304 stainless steel, 8620 alloy steel, 17-4 stainlesssteel, 1380 stainless steel, tungsten, or a combination of stainlesssteel and tungsten. However, the chassis 102 and putter type body 104are not made from the same one material or the same combination ofmaterials.

The putter-type body 104 of the golf club 100 having the second materialcan be made from any one or combination of the following: polycarbonate(PC), polyester (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA) (e.g.polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 6-6 (PA66), polyamide-12 (PA12),polyamide-612 (PA612), polyamide 11 (PA11)), thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU), polyphthalamide (PPA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene ether/oxide (PPE), polyoxymethylene(POM), polypropylene (PP), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN),polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrilestyrene acrylate (ASA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK),polyether ketone (PEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES),polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), thermoplasticelastomer (TPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), oralloys of the above described thermoplastic materials, such as an alloyof acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) or analloy of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide (PA).

In many embodiments, the putter-type body 104 of the putter-type golfclub head 100 having the second material comprises a second densityranging between 1.0 g/cc and 6.0 g/cc. The density of the secondmaterial is a second density to the first density of the first materialin the chassis 102. The second density can range between 2.0 g/cc to 5.0g/cc. In some embodiments, the second density can range between 1.0-1.25g/cc, 1.25-1.5 g/cc, 1.5-1.75 g/cc, 1.75-2.0 g/cc, 2.0-2.25 g/cc,2.25-2.5 g/cc, 2.5-2.75 g/cc, 2.75-3.0 g/cc, 3.25-3.5 g/cc, 3.5-3.75g/cc, 3.75-4.0 g/cc, 4.0-4.25 g/cc, 4.25-4.5 g/cc, 4.5-4.75 g/cc,4.75-5.0 g/cc, 5.0-5.25 g/cc, 5.0-5.25 g/cc, 5.25-5.5 g/cc, 5.5-5.75g/cc, or 5.75-6.0 g/cc. In one embodiment, the second density of theputter-type body can range between 2.0-3.0 g/cc. In some embodiments,the second density can be less 6.0 g/cc, less than 5.0 g/cc, less than4.0 g/cc, less than 3.0 g/cc, or less than 2.0 g/cc. In someembodiments, the second density can be 1.25 g/cc, 1.50 g/cc, 1.75 g/cc,2.0 g/cc, 2.25 g/cc, 2.50 g/cc, 2.75 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.25 g/cc, 3.50g/cc, 3.75 g/cc, 4.0 g/cc, 4.25 g/cc, 4.50 g/cc, 4.75 g/cc, 5.0 g/cc,5.25 g/cc, 5.50 g/cc, 5.75 g/cc, or 6.0 g/cc.

In some embodiments, the first density of the chassis can be at least 2times greater than the second density, at least 3 times greater than thesecond density, at least 4 times greater than the second density, or atleast 5 times greater than the second density. In some embodiments, thefirst density can be greater than 7.0 g/cc, greater than 9.0 g/cc,greater than 10.0 g/cc, greater than 11.0 g/cc, or greater than 12.0g/cc.

In many embodiments, the putter-type body 104 of the putter-type golfclub head 100 having the second material can be formed from athermoplastic composite material that comprises a thermoplastic polymermatrix material and a filler. Exemplary thermoplastic polymer matrixmaterials include polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PBT), polyphenylenesulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA) (e.g. polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 6-6(PA66), polyamide-12 (PA12), polyamide-612 (PA612), polyamide 11(PA11)), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyphthalamide (PPA),acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (PE), polyphenyleneether/oxide (PPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), styreneacrylonitrile (SAN), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene terephthalate(PET), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyetherimide (PEI),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyetherether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone (PEK), polyetherimide (PEI),polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polystyrene (PS),polysulfone (PSU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), liquid crystal polymer(LCP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ultra-high molecular weightpolyethylene (UHMWPE), or alloys of the above described thermoplasticmaterials, such as an alloy of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) andpolycarbonate (PC) or an alloy of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)and polyamide (PA).

For example, in some embodiments, the thermoplastic composite materialcan include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the thermoplasticpolymer matrix material. TPU comprises a chemical structure consistingof linear segmented block copolymers having hard and soft segments. Insome embodiments, the hard segments comprise aromatic or aliphaticstructures, and the soft segments comprise polyether or polyesterchains. In other embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer matrix materialcomprising TPU can have a hard and soft segments with different chemicalstructures. For further example, in some embodiments, the thermoplasticcomposite material can include polyamine 6-6 (PA66) or polyamide 6 (PA6)as the thermoplastic polymer matrix material. PA66 is a type ofpolyamide made of two monomers, including hexamethylenediamine andadipic acid, each containing 6 carbon atoms.

The fillers of the thermoplastic composite material can include fibers,beads, or other structures comprising various materials (describedbelow) that are mixed with the thermoplastic polymer. The fillers canprovide structural reinforcement, weighting, lightening, or variousother characteristics to the thermoplastic composite material. In manyembodiments, the fillers can comprise carbon or glass. However, in otherembodiments, the fillers can comprise other suitable materials. Forexample, the fillers of one or more lamina layer can comprise aramidfibers (e.g. Nomex, Vectran, Kevlar, Twaron), bamboo fibers, naturalfibers (e.g. cotton, hemp, flax), metal fibers (e.g. titanium,aluminum), glass beads, tungsten beads, or ceramic fibers (e.g. titaniumdioxide, granite, silicon carbide).

The fillers or fibers can be short (less than approximately 0.5 mm inlength or diameter), long (ranging in length or diameter betweenapproximately 0.5 mm to approximately 40 mm, or more preferably betweenapproximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm), or continuous (greater thanapproximately 40 mm in length). In many embodiments, the front body 12and the rear body 14 comprise short and/or long fibers. In otherembodiments, the front body 12 and the rear body 14 can comprisecontinuous fibers instead of, or in addition to the short and longfibers.

In many embodiments, the thermoplastic composite material can comprise30-40% fillers by volume. In other embodiments, the thermoplasticcomposite material can comprise up to 55%, up to 60%, up to 65%, or upto 70% fillers by volume.

In many embodiments, the thermoplastic composite comprises a specificgravity of approximately 1.0-2.0, which is significantly lower than thespecific gravity of metallic materials used in golf (e.g. the specificgravity of titanium is approximately 4.5 and the specific gravity ofaluminum is approximately 2.7). Further, in many embodiments, thethermoplastic composite material comprises a strength to weight ratio orspecific strength greater than 1,000,000 PSI/(lb/in3), and a strength tomodulus ratio or specific flexibility greater than 0.009. The specificgravity, specific strength, and specific flexibility of thethermoplastic composite material enable significant weight savings inthe club head 100, while maintaining durability.

a.) Chassis

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , the putter-type golf club head 100 further,comprises a high density chassis 102, along with a putter-type body 104.The chassis 102 is configured and positioned to be molded to theputter-type body 104, to form the putter-type golf club head 100. Thechassis 102 comprises at least one interlocking feature 120 and a flowaperture 122. The at least one interlocking feature 120, allows for thelight-weight material (second density material) of the putter-type body104 to encase the entirety of the at least one interlocking feature 120.Further, the flow aperture 122, allows the light-weight material of theputter-type body 104 to extend through and completely fill the flowaperture 122, to interlock the body 104 and the chassis 102, and formthe putter-type golf club head 100. Furthermore, the chassis 102provides a high-density peripheral structure, that a low-densityputter-type body 104 can be formed around, to create a putter 100 withan extremely high MOI putter, while keeping the golf club head at adesirable overall weight.

The chassis 102, in some embodiments, comprises less than 50% of a totalvolume of the putter 100. In other embodiments, the chassis 102comprises less than 70% of the total volume of the putter 100, less than65% of the total volume of the putter 100, less than 60% of the totalvolume of the putter 100, less than 55% of the total volume of theputter 100, less than 50% of the total volume of the putter 100, lessthan 45% of the total volume of the putter 100, less than 40% of thetotal volume of the putter 100, or less than 35% of the total volume ofthe putter 100. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 can range between20%-25% of the total volume of the putter 100, 25%-30% of the totalvolume of the putter 100, 30%-35% of the total volume of the putter 100,35%-40% of the total volume of the putter 100, 40%-45% of the totalvolume of the putter 100, 45%-50% of the total volume of the putter 100,50%-55% of the total volume of the putter 100, 55%-60% of the totalvolume of the putter 100, 60%-65% of the total volume of the putter 100,or 65%-70% of the total volume of the putter 100.

Although the chassis 102 comprises less than half of the volume of theputter 100, the chassis 102 comprises at least 60% of an overall mass ofthe putter 100. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 comprises at least60% of the overall mass of the putter 100, at least 65% of the overallmass of the putter 100, at least 70% of the overall mass of the putter100, or at least 75% of the overall mass of the putter 100. In otherembodiments, the chassis can range between 45%-50% of the overall massof the putter 100, 50%-55% of the overall mass of the putter 100,55%-60% of the overall mass of the putter 100, 60%-65% of the overallmass of the putter 100, 65%-70% of the overall mass of the putter 100,70%-75% of the overall mass of the putter 100, 75%-80% of the overallmass of the putter 100, or 80%-85% of the overall mass of the putter100.

The beneficial shift of mass to the periphery of the putter head 100,through the use of a high density, low volume chassis 102, increases theMOI of the putter 100, over a putter with the same volume, mass, andsingle material construction (or multi-metal construction) (i.e., aputter milled of a single stainless steel block, or a putter investmentcast of two metals).

In most embodiments, the chassis 102 comprises a heel portion 124. Thechassis 102 comprises a toe portion 126, opposite the heel portion 124.The chassis 102 comprises a rear 128. The rear 128 is adjacent the heelportion 124 and the toe portion 126. In some embodiments, the chassis102 can comprise a central strut 132. The central strut 132 spans fromthe heel portion 124 to the toe portion 126, opposite the rear 128. Thechassis 102 comprises a front 130. The front 130 is formed by the toeportion 126, the heel portion 124, and the central strut 132. The front130 is opposite the rear 128, adjacent the heel portion 124, andadjacent the toe portion 126.

Further, the chassis 102 can comprise an upper surface 134. The uppersurface 134 is adjacent the rear 128, the front 130, the toe portion126, and the heel portion 124. The chassis 102 comprises a lower surface136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 134, and isadjacent the rear 128, the front 130, the toe portion 126, and the heelportion 124. In many embodiments, the chassis 102 can be “U-shaped,”horseshoe shaped, parabolically shaped, ring shaped, dumbbell shaped,trapezoidal, polygonal, hourglass shaped, semi-circular, asymmetrical,symmetrical, spade shaped, “H-shaped,” “I-shaped,” or any otherdesirable chassis 102 shape.

In most embodiments, the chassis 102 shape fosters the desirable shiftof mass towards the peripheries (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis102 and the peripheries of the putter-type golf club head 100. Certainchassis 102 shapes can be used for certain types of putter heads, todrastically increase the MOI of the resulting co-molded putter. Forexample, a dumbbell shaped, “I-shaped,” or asymmetrical chassis 102 canbe used for a blade style putter, wherein mass needs to only be movedtoward the heel end 108 and the toe end 106, in order to increase theMOI. In another example, a “U-shaped,” horseshoe shaped, or parabolicshaped chassis 102 can be used for a mid-mallet or mallet style putter,wherein mass needs to be moved toward the heel end 108, the toe end 106,the striking surface 110, and the rear portion 112, in order to increasethe MOI. In yet another example, a semi-circular, asymmetrical,symmetrical, spade shaped, or “H-shaped” chassis 102 can be used for amid-mallet or mallet style putter, wherein mass needs to be moved towardthe heel end 108, the toe end 106, the striking surface 110, and therear portion 112, in order to increase the MOI. The shape and weightallocation of the chassis 102, drastically increases the MOI of theputter head 100, when the high-density chassis 102 is combined with thelow density, lightweight putter-type body 104. Although certain chassis102 shapes are used for certain putter types, any chassis 102 shape canbe used for any type of putter (i.e., blade, mi-mallet, mallet).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the heel portion 124, toe portion 126, rear128, and central strut 132 form the flow aperture 122. The flow aperture122 extends entirely through the chassis 102, in a direction from theupper surface 134 to the lower surface 136. When the putter-type body104 is molded to the chassis 102, the flow aperture 122 allows thelightweight, low density material that eventually form the putter-typebody 104, to encapsulate the chassis 102 such that the body 104 extendsthrough and completely fills the flow aperture 122. The flow aperture122 allows the putter body 104 to integrally interlock the body 104 andthe chassis 102, to form the club head 100. Furthermore, the flowaperture 122 allows the lightweight, low density material of theputter-type body 104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to thestriking surface 110 of the golf club head 100. In some cases, when theputter-type body 104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite materialwith a fibrous filler, the flow aperture 122 allows the fibers to settlein a direction perpendicular to the striking surface 110, therebyincreasing the strength and durability of the club head 100. Furtherstill, the flow aperture 122 allows a thermoplastic composite materialwith a fibrous filler to closely surround the chassis 102, with minimalporosity, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 100.

In some embodiments, the flow aperture 122 can be any one of thefollowing shapes: circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular,trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal shape, or any other desiredgeometric shape. In some embodiments, the flow aperture 122 canasymmetrical in shape in a direction from the front 130 to the rear 128,or from the rear 128 to the front 130. In some embodiments, the flowaperture 122 can be symmetrical shape from toe portion 126 to the heelportion 124. In other embodiments, the flow aperture 122 can besymmetrical in shape from the rear 128 to the front 130 and symmetricalin shape from the toe portion 126 to the heel portion 124. In moreembodiments, the flow aperture 122 can be symmetrical in shape from thetoe portion 126 to the heel portion 124, but asymmetrical in shape fromthe rear 128 to the front 130.

In some embodiments, the chassis 102 can be devoid of the central strut132, and thereby devoid of a flow aperture 122. Referring to FIGS.10-12, 22-24, and 26-28 , for example, the chassis 102 can merelycomprise a front 130 formed by only the toe portion 126 and the heelportion 124, entirely devoid of the central strut 132. In manyembodiments wherein the chassis 102 is devoid of the central strut 132,the chassis 102 can be “U-shaped,” horseshoe shaped, parabolicallyshaped, dumbbell shaped, “I-shaped,” or any other desired shape.

Still referring to FIGS. 10-12 , in some embodiments, the chassis 102 isdevoid of the central strut 132, and thereby devoid of the flow aperture104. In these embodiments, the heel portion 124, toe portion 126, andrear 128 form a flow region 138. The flow region 138 functionsidentically as the flow aperture 128, however, is devoid of the centralstrut 132. When the putter-type body 104 is molded to the chassis 102,the flow region 138 allows the lightweight, low density material of theputter-type body 104 to encapsulate the chassis 102 such that the body104 extends through and completely fills the flow region 138. The flowregion 138 allows the putter body 104 to integrally interlock the body104 and the chassis 102, to form the club head 100. Furthermore, theflow region 138 allows the lightweight, low density material of theputter-type body 104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to thestriking surface 110 of the golf club head 100. In some cases, when theputter-type body 104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite materialwith a fibrous filler, this allows the fibers to settle in a directionperpendicular to the striking surface 110, increasing the strength anddurability of the club head 100. Further still, the flow region 138allows a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrous filler toclosely surround the chassis 102, with minimal porosity, thereby forminga solid and durable club head 100.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 , the chassis 102 comprises at least oneinterlocking feature 120 protruding or extending from any one or morecombination of the following chassis 102 features: the heel portion 124,the toe portion 126, the rear 128, the central strut 132, the front 130,the upper surface 134, and the lower surface 136. The at least oneinterlocking features 120 function to further interlock and integrallyjoin the chassis 102 and the putter-type body 104, by allowing athermoplastic composite material with a fibrous filler (or other highstrength lightweight material) to encase the entirety of the at leastone interlocking feature 120.

The chassis 102 can comprise one interlocking feature 120, twointerlocking features 120, three interlocking features 120, fourinterlocking features 120, five interlocking features 120, sixinterlocking features 120, seven interlocking features 120, or more. Insome embodiments, the chassis 102 can comprise two or more interlockingfeatures 120, three or more interlocking features 120, four or moreinterlocking features, or more. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 cancomprise at least one interlocking feature 120, at least twointerlocking features 120, at least three interlocking features 120, atleast four interlocking features, at least five interlocking features,at least six interlocking features, or more.

The at least one interlocking feature 120, in many embodiments, can bein the form of an anchor (see FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7, 11-18, 23, 24, 27, 28,and 38-40 ). In these embodiments, wherein the at least one interlockingfeature 120 is in the form of an anchor, an anchor aperture 140 isformed between the interlocking feature 120 and the portion of thechassis 102 (the heel portion 124, the toe portion 126, the rear 128,the central strut 132, the front 130, the upper surface 134, and thelower surface 136) that which the interlocking feature 120 protrudesfrom. The anchor aperture 140 and interlocking feature 120, similar tothe flow aperture 122, allows the lightweight, low density material ofthe putter-type body 104, to entirely fill the anchor aperture 140 andencapsulate the interlocking feature 120, to integrally join the chassis102 and the putter-type body 104.

In many embodiments, the anchor aperture 140 of the least oneinterlocking feature 120 can be any one of the following shapes:circular, semi-circular, ovular elliptical, triangular, rectangular,trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal shape, or any other desiredgeometric shape. In some embodiments, the at least one anchorinterlocking features 120 can comprise more than one anchor apertures140. In these embodiments, the more than one anchor apertures 140 of theat least one interlocking features 120 can be any one or combination ofthe following shapes: circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular,trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal shape, or any other desiredgeometric shape.

In other embodiments, the at least one interlocking feature 120 can bein the form of a post or hitch (see FIGS. 21, 31, 32, 38, and 40 ), aseries of indentations (see FIG. 21 ), a through-hole (see FIG. 20 ), aseries of through-holes (see FIGS. 34-36 ), a slot or trough (see FIG.19 ), a channel, a wedge, a beam with a series of through holes (seeFIGS. 26-28 ), or any other desirable interlocking feature 120 geometry,to mold the putter-type body 104 to the chassis 102. In some of theseother embodiments, such as the post or hitch embodiments, the at leastone interlocking feature 120 is devoid of an anchor aperture 140. Ratherthan extending entirely through the anchor aperture 140 to encase theinterlocking feature 120, the putter-type body 104 can surround andencapsulate the post or hitch embodiment of the interlocking feature120, thereby joining the putter-type body 104 and the chassis 102.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9 , in some embodiments, the chassis 102 cancomprise one or more weights 142. The one or more weights 142 cancomprise a weight density, wherein the weight density is greater thanthe density (first density) of the chassis, in order to alter the massproperties of the putter (i.e., CG, MOI, balance). The one or moreweights 142 function to customize the center of gravity of the putter,while maintaining and/or increasing the MOI of the putter head 100. Theone or more weights 142 can be attached to the chassis 102 through anyof the following attachment methods: welding, soldering, brazing,swedging, adhesion, epoxy, mechanical fastening, adhesion with epoxy,polyurethanes, resins, hot melts, or any other adhesive.

In most embodiments, the one or more weights 142, are made from adifferent material than the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the one ormore weights 142 are made from the same material as the chassis 102 butcomprise a different density than the chassis 102. In most embodiments,the one or more weights 142 comprise a density greater than the densityof the chassis 102. The one or more weights 142 can be comprise any oneor combination of the following materials: 8620 alloy steel (7.83 g/cc),S25C steel (7.85 g/cc), carbon steel (7.85 g/cc), maraging steel (8.00g/cc), 17-4 stainless steel (7.81 g/cc), 303 stainless steel (8.03g/cc), 304 stainless steel (8.00 g/cc), stainless steel alloy (7.75g/cc-8.05 g/cc), tungsten (19.25 g/cc), manganese (7.43 g/cc) or anymetal suitable for creating a high density weight. In most embodiments,the

The material of the one or more weights 142 comprises a density. Thedensity of the one or more weights 142 can range between 12.0 g/cc and20.0 g/cc. In some embodiments, the one or more weights 142 density canrange between 12.0-12.5 g/cc, 12.5-13.0 g/cc, 13.0-13.5 g/cc, 13.5-14.0g/cc, 14.0-14.5 g/cc, 14.5-15.0 g/cc, 15.0-15.5 g/cc, 15.5-16.0 g/cc,16.0-16.5 g/cc, 16.5-17.0 g/cc, 17.0-17.5 g/cc, 17.5-18.0 g/cc,18.0-18.5 g/cc, 18.5-19.0 g/cc, or 19.0-19.5 g/cc, or 19.5-20.0 g/cc. Inone embodiment, the density of the one or more weights 142 can rangebetween 19.0-20.0 g/cc. In some embodiments, the one or more weights 142density can be 12.0 g/cc, 12.5 g/cc, 13.0 g/cc, 13.5 g/cc, 14.0 g/cc,14.5 g/cc, 15.0 g/cc, 15.5 g/cc, 16.0 g/cc, 16.5 g/cc, 17.0 g/cc, 17.5g/cc, 18.0 g/cc, 18.5 g/cc, 19.0 g/cc, 19.5 g/cc, or 20.0 g/cc.

The one or more weights 142 can comprise a mass ranging from 1 gram to20 grams. In many embodiments, the one or more weights 142 can comprisea mass of 1 gram, 2 grams, 3 grams, 4 grams, 5 grams, 6 grams, 7 grams,8 grams, 9 grams, 10 grams, 11 grams, 12 grams, 13 grams, 14 grams, 15grams, 16 grams, 17 grams, 18 grams, 19 grams, or 20 grams. In someembodiments, the one or more weights 142 can range from 1-5 grams, 5-10grams, 10-15 grams, or 15-20 grams. In most embodiments, the one or moreweights 142 can comprise the same mass, however in other embodiments,the one or more weights 142 can comprise different masses.

Still referring to FIGS. 6-9 , the chassis 102, in some embodiments, cancomprise one or more weights 142. In many embodiments, the chassis 102can comprise one weight 142, two weights 142, three weights 142, fourweights 142, five weights 142, six weights 142, or more. In someembodiments, the chassis 102 can comprise two or more weights 142, threeor more weights 142, or four or more weights 142.

In many embodiments, the one or more weights 142 can comprise any one orcombination of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, triangular,rectangular, cylindrical, rectangular prismed, trapezoidal, octagonal,or any other polygonal shape or shape with at least one curved surface.

Furthermore, in most embodiments, the light-weight material of theputter-type body 104 encases at least one a portion of the one or moreweights 142. In some embodiments, the light-weight material of theputter-type body can surround at least 10% of the one or more weights142, at least 20% of the one or more weights 142, at least 30% of theone or more weights 142, at least 40% of the one or more weights 142, atleast 50% of the one or more weights 142, at least 60% of the one ormore weights 142, at least 70% of the one or more weights 142, at least80% of the one or more weights 142, at least 90% of the one or moreweights 142, or 100% of the one or more weights 142.

The combination of the high density chassis 102, with a low densityputter-type body 104, creates the putter 100 with an extremely high MOI,while keeping the golf club head at a desirable overall weight. The flowaperture 122 formed by the chassis 102 forms a dense, yet low volumeportion that drastically increase the MOI of the putter, in comparisonto a putter milled from a single material. A single material putterfails to allocate high density material to the periphery, whilemaintaining a desirable volume (75 cc-100 cc) and mass (340 grams-385grams).

b.) Putter-Type Body

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 , the putter-type golf club head 100,comprises a low density putter-type body 104. The putter-type body 104is configured and positioned to be molded to the chassis 102, to formthe putter-type golf club head 100. The light-weight material of theputter-type body 104 encase the entirety of the at least oneinterlocking feature 120 of the chassis 102. Further, the light-weightmaterial of the putter-type body 104 extends through and completely fillthe chassis 102 flow aperture 122, interlocks the body 104 and thechassis 102, and forms the putter-type golf club head 100. Furthermore,the low-density putter-type body 104 can be formed around thehigh-density chassis 102, to create a putter 100 with an extremely highMOI putter, while keeping the golf club head at a desirable overallweight.

In reference to FIGS. 2, 7, 11, 23, 27, 30, 32, 34, and 38 , the dashedlines of each figure shows the mold that which the putter-type body 104forms with (and around) the chassis 102, to form the putter-type golfclub head 100. These figures display the interrelationship of thechassis 102 and the interlocking features 120 and flow aperture 122 (orflow region 138) of the putter-type body 104.

The body 104, in some embodiments, comprises more than 50% of a totalvolume of the putter 100. In some embodiments, the body 104 comprisesmore than 55% of the total volume of the putter 100, more than 60% ofthe total volume of the putter 100, or more than 65% of the total volumeof the putter 100.

Although the body 104 comprises more than half of the volume of theputter 100, the body 104 comprises less than 40% of an overall mass ofthe putter 100. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 comprises less than40% of the overall mass of the putter 100, less than 35% of the overallmass of the putter 100, less than 20% of the overall mass of the putter100, or less than 15% of the overall mass of the putter 100.

The beneficial shift of mass to the periphery of the putter head 100,through the use of a high density, low volume chassis 102, incombination with a low density, high volume putter-type body 104,increases the MOI of the putter 100, over a putter with the same volume,mass, and single material construction (or multi-metal construction)((i.e., a putter milled of a single stainless steel block, or a putterinvestment cast of two metals).

As aforementioned, the putter-type body 104 comprises a low densitysecond material. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 104 comprisesa thermoplastic composite material that comprises a thermoplasticpolymer matrix material and a filler. In other embodiments, theputter-type body 104 can comprise any other low density second material,wherein the other low density materials are not repeated herein forbrevity. However, in most embodiments, the putter-type body 104comprises a second material with a density less than 4.0 g/cc. Thechassis 102 and the putter-type body 104 are permanently joined withoutthe use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplastic polymermatrix miller and filler of the putter-type body 104, combined with theflow aperture 122 and at least one interlocking feature 120 of thechassis 102, creates an integral putter 100, without the use of welding,epoxies, or adhesives.

The putter-type body 104 is integrally formed within and around thechassis 102. As previously described the light-weight material of theputter-type body 104 extends through and completely fill the chassis 102flow aperture 122, interlocks the body 104 and the chassis 102, andforms the putter-type golf club head 100. Further, in some embodiments,the putter-type body 104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis102. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 104 encases at least 30%of the chassis 102. In other embodiments, the putter-type body 104 canencase at least 30% of the chassis 102, at least 35% of the chassis 102,at least 40% of the chassis 102, at least 45% of the chassis 102, atleast 50% of the chassis 102, at least 55% of the chassis 102 at least60% of the chassis 102, at least 65% of the chassis 102, at least 70% ofthe chassis 102, at least 75% of the chassis 102, at least 80% of thechassis 102, at least 85% of the chassis 102, and at least 95% of thechassis 102. In some embodiments, the putter-type body 104 can encase(or encapsulate) 30%-35% of the chassis 102, 35%-40% of the chassis 102,40%-45% of the chassis 102, 45%-50% of the chassis 102, 50%-55% of thechassis 102, 55%-60% of the chassis 102 60%-65% of the chassis 102,65%-70% of the chassis 102, 70%-75% of the chassis 102, 75%-80% of thechassis 102, 80%-85% of the chassis 102, 85%-90% of the chassis 102,90%-95% of the chassis 102, or 95%-100% of the chassis 102.

The putter-type body 104, when combined with the chassis 102, forms thegolf club head 100 toe end 106, heel end 108, rear portion 112, andstriking surface 110. The putter-type body 104 forms a portion of thecrown 115 and a portion of the sole 117. In reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 ,when the putter-type body 104 and chassis 102 are joined, in mostembodiments, the chassis 102 and putter-type body 104 combine to formthe putter 100 crown 115. Similarly, when the putter-type body 104 andchassis 102 are joined, in most embodiments, the chassis 102 andputter-type body 104 combine to form the putter 100 sole 117.

The putter-type body 104 can form 100% of the crown 115, such that thechassis 102 cannot be seen from an address position. In someembodiments, the putter-type body 104 can form 30%-35% of the crown 115,35%-40% of the crown 115, 40%-45% of the crown 115, 45%-50% of the crown115, 50%-55% of the crown 115, 55%-60% of the crown 115, 60%-65% of thecrown 115, 65%-70% of the crown 115, 70%-75% of the crown 115, 75%-80%of the crown 115, 80%-85% of the crown 115, 85%-90% of the crown 115,90%-95% of the crown 115, or 95%-100% of the crown 115. In mostembodiments, the putter-type body 104 forms at least 50% of the crown115, such that the chassis 102 is not as visible at an address positionas the body 104.

Similar to the crown 115, the putter-type body 104 can form 100% of thesole 117, such that the chassis 102 does not contact the ground plane,at an address position. In some embodiments, the putter-type body 104can form 30%-35% of the sole 117, 35%-40% of the sole 117, 40%-45% ofthe sole 117, 45%-50% of the sole 117, 50%-55% of the sole 117, 55%-60%of the sole 117, 60%-65% of the sole 117, 65%-70% of the sole 117,70%-75% of the sole 117, 75%-80% of the sole 117, 80%-85% of the sole117, 85%-90% of the sole 117, 90%-95% of the sole 117, or 95%-100% ofthe sole 117. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 104 forms atleast 50% of the sole 117.

Further, the putter-type body 104, forms at least a portion of analignment feature 114. In some embodiments, the putter-type body 104forms the entirety of the alignment feature 114. Referring to FIG. 1 ,the alignment feature 114 can be any one or combination of thefollowing: a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, atriangle, a channel, a trough, a series of troughs, a channel, or anyother desired shape for an alignment feature 114. In most embodiments,the alignment feature 114 is position on the crown 115. Further, in mostembodiments, the alignment feature 114 is positioned equidistance fromthe heel end 108 and the toe end 106, perpendicular to the strikingsurface 110, such that a golfer can utilize the alignment feature 114 toaccurately line up the putter 100, to strike a golf ball at an addressposition.

In some embodiments, the chassis 102 and putter-type body 104 cancombine to form the alignment feature 114. In most embodiments, thealignment feature 114 is positioned on the crown 115. Since the chassis102 and putter-type body 104 comprise a first and second material, thatwhich are different, in most embodiments, the chassis 102 andputter-type body 104 comprise different material colors. This aestheticmaterial contrast can lead to an improvement in the alignment of theputter, in combination with a traditional alignment feature (i.e., aline, circle, or arrow).

In reference to FIG. 1 , the chassis 102 and putter-type body 104combine to form the crown 115. The portion of the chassis 102 that isexposed, and the alignment line of the putter type body 104, combine toform the full alignment feature 114. The alignment line allows a golferto center the putter 100, while the exposed chassis 102 portions of thecrown 115, offer a secondary space to center a golf ball within.Furthermore, the chassis 102 in this embodiment, is made of a polishedstainless steel (silver in color), while the body 104 is made of a darkthermoplastic composite. The chassis 102 is reflective in appearance andhas a distinct color contrast to the body 104, allowing a golfer toeasily align and center the putter 100 with a golf ball.

The combination of the high density chassis 102, with a low densityputter-type body 104, creates the putter 100 with an extremely high MOI,while keeping the golf club head at a desirable overall weight. The flowaperture 122 formed by the chassis 102 forms a dense, yet low volumeportion that drastically increase the MOI of the putter, in comparisonto a putter milled from a single material. In direct contrast, theputter-type body 104 fills and surrounds the chassis with an extremelylight weight, but high volume, to give the putter 100 a desirable shapeand volume but maintaining desirable mass properties. A single materialputter fails to allocate high density material to the periphery, whilemaintaining a desirable volume (75 cc-100 cc) and mass (340 grams-385grams).

c.) Method of Manufacture

Described herein below is a method of manufacturing co-molded golfputter with integral interlocking features, similar to the golf clubhead 100 described above. Referring to FIG. _, the method comprises(Step 1) providing a chassis 10, (Step 2) providing a mold, (Step 3)injection molding a putter-type body 104, (Step 4) cooling the putterhead 100, (Step 5) finishing the golf club head 100 and shafting theputter head to form a golf club.

The chassis 102 can be provided by casting the chassis from thehigh-density first material. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 can beinvestment cast and the one or more weights 142 are forged (or cast) andwelded or swedged to the chassis 102. In other embodiments, the chassis102 is co-die cast with the one or more weights 142. In someembodiments, the chassis 102 is forged and the at least one interlockingfeature 120 is welded to the chassis 102.

The mold (not shown) can be provided in three parts: a top die, a bottomdie, and at least one pin. The mold parts can together define a cavitythat corresponds to the desired shape of the golf club head 100, andwherein the at least one pin holds the chassis 102 within the mold. Insome embodiments, the size of the mold cavity is slightly different thanthe desired shape of the golf club head component to account formaterial shrink rate and springback. The mold can additionally comprisea sprue, a gate, ejection pins, cooling lines, and any other necessarycomponents.

Injection molding may be used to produce putters with intricategeometries and high impact strength. Injection molding the putter-typebody 104 comprises providing a mold designed to account for shrink rate,spring back, and freeze off thickness of the injected material. The moldis provided with a gate and flow leaders that guide the injectedmaterial evenly into the mold, through the flow aperture 122, throughthe at least one interlocking feature 120, thereby integrally formingthe putter head 100. The even spread of the material into and throughoutthe mold reduces weld lines (wherein weld lines show the uneven junctionof fibers, such that an undesirable line is formed on various parts ofthe putter 100). Weld lines can compromise the strength of the golf clubhead 100, as well as the visual aesthetic or alignment features of theclub head 100. Ultimately, by reducing the size of the weld lines, thestrength of the final part is increased.

Following injection molding, the putter head 100 is cooled. The coolingprocess allows the thermoplastic composite of the putter-head body 104to harden within and around the chassis 102. The cooling process isvital in structurally securing the chassis 102 within the putter-typebody 104, forming a strong and durable high-MOI putter 100.

After the cooling step, the full club head 100 can be polished to removethe mold gate and/or remove any unwanted flashes. The club head 100 canbe coated, plated, or painted. After the club head 100 is finished, itis ready to be attached to a shaft and grip to form a fully assembledgolf club.

Step 1: Providing a Chassis

Providing the chassis 102 in the first step can start with casting thechassis 102, wherein the chassis 102 can comprise the flow aperture 122and at least one interlocking feature 120. The chassis 102 can beinvestment cast, die cast, co-die cast, lost-wax cast, or any othersuitable method for casting the chassis. In other embodiments, thechassis 102 can forged or milled from a block or billet of thehigh-density first material. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 can beinvestment cast and the one or more weights 142 are forged (or cast) andwelded or swedged to the chassis 102. In other embodiments, the chassis102 is co-die cast with the one or more weights 142. In someembodiments, the chassis 102 is forged and the at least one interlockingfeature 120 is welded to the chassis 102. Any other method of formingthe chassis 102 can be used, such as metallic 3-D printing.

The chassis 102, is formed with the respective features mentioned above,including the toe portion 126, the heel portion 124, the rear portion128, the front 130, the upper surface 134, the lower surface 136, thecentral strut 132 (in some cases no central strut 138, the flow aperture122 (in some cases the flow region 138), and at least one interlockingfeature 120. The flow aperture 122 and the at least one interlockingfeature 120 enable the low-density second material of the putter-typebody 104 to flow through the flow aperture 122, and encapsulate theinterlocking feature 120, in step 3 of the enclosed method. The flowaperture 122 and the at least one interlocking feature 120 enable thelow-density second material of the putter-type body 104 to extendthrough and completely fill the flow aperture to permanently interlockthe body 104 and the chassis 102, to form the golf club head.

Step 2: Providing a Mold

In most embodiments, the mold comprises a top die, a bottom die, and atleast one pin. The top die can comprise a sprue, a gate, and a cavity.The bottom die can comprise a reservoir. When the top die and bottom diecompress, the pin is inserted in between the top and bottom die, holdingthe chassis 102 in the desired position to form the putter-type body 104within and around the chassis 102. The composite material is thendispensed into the mold.

The top die comprises the sprue, the cavity, and the gate. The spruetransfers the liquid composite material from the screw tip to the gate.The gate then transfers the material evenly into the cavity of the topdie and reservoir of the bottom die. In some embodiments, the gate isconnected to the part of the mold that corresponds to a thickest portionof the putter head 100. In many embodiments, the thickest portion of theputter-type body 104 is the striking surface 110. However, in someembodiments, the gate is connected to a part of the mold thatcorresponds to a thin portion of the putter head 100. Typically, aninjection molded component is weaker adjacent where the gate isconnected to the putter 100. Therefore, for some components, such thegolf club head described herein, it is advantageous to locate the gateadjacent a section of the component that is not the thickest portion ofthe putter 100. In embodiments with the gate connected to a thinnerportion of the part, flow leaders may be necessary to encourage the flowof material throughout the mold.

In the most embodiments of the mold, the gate is positioned at what willbecome the striking surface 110 of the club head 100. The gate connectsto a striking surface of the putter head 100, in line with the front 130of the chassis 102. As described further below, locating the gateperpendicular to the striking surface 110 the material to flow generallyforward (or away from the striking surface 110, which initially alignsthe fibers in a generally front to rear direction. This can increase thestrength of the final component, since the composite material strengthis affected by the fiber alignment. Furthermore, locating the gatecentrally, between what becomes the toe end 106 and the heel end 108,allows the composite material to flow quickly through and into the flowaperture 122 (or flow region 138) and evenly throughout the part. Incontrast, if for instance the gate were connected to the toe end 10 orheel end 108 of the club head 100, the material flow could createunwanted weld lines within the toe end 10 or heel end 108.

The bottom die and top die comprise the at least one pin. The at leastone pin extends from one of, or both of the, the top die and bottom die,to contact the upper surface 134 and/or lower surface 136 of the chassis102. The at least one pin holds the chassis 102 in a precise locationwithin the mold, so that the chassis 102 doesn't move with the compositematerial is dispensed into the mold. In most embodiments, the moldcomprises at least 1 pin, at least 2 pins, at least 3 pins, or at least4 pins. In one embodiment, the mold comprises exactly 2 pins, 3 pins, or4 pins. Without the at least one pin, the chassis 102 would be subjectto movement, causing improperly formed components.

Step 3: Injection Molding a Putter-Type Body

Injection molding a putter-type body 104 in the third step can comprisethe following: drying a composite material, heating the compositematerial, compressing the heated material into the mold, and ejectingthe putter head 100 from the mold. The chassis 102 is placed and themold, the putter-type body 102 is formed around the chassis 102, andthus the putter head 102 is ejected from the mold.

A composite material, to form the putter-type body 104, is chosen. Asdescribed above, the putter-type body 104 can comprise a compositeformed from polymer resin and reinforcing fiber. The polymer resin cancomprise a thermoplastic. More specifically, the thermoplastic resin cancomprise a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a thermoplastic elastomer(TPE). For example, the resin can comprise polyphenylene sulfide (PPS),polyetheretheretherketone (PEEK), polyimides, polyamides such as PA6 orPA66, polyamide-imides, polyphenylene sulfides (PPS), polycarbonates,engineering polyurethanes, and/or other similar materials. Thereinforcing fiber can comprise carbon fibers (or chopped carbon fibers),glass fibers (or chopped glass fibers), graphene fibers (or choppedgraphite fibers), or any other suitable filler material. In otherembodiments, the composite material may comprise any reinforcing fillerthat adds strength and/or durability.

Each of the aforementioned composite materials must be properly dried,prior to the heating of the composite material. Composite materials mustbe dried prior to injection molding, to remove any and all of themoisture that exists within or on the material (often times compositematerials are in pellet forms in large buckets, wherein water ormoisture can be trapped between pellets). To properly dry the compositematerials, the composite materials are placed in a heated vacuum, withzero humidity, and dried for different amounts of time. This step isnecessary, because any moisture that is heated and compressed in theinjection molder, can turn into steam and be shot out of the injectionmolder at high speed, high temperature, and high pressure. Moisturetrapped in the composite material must be removed prior to the heatingprocess, to prevent damage to the injection molder or injury to theoperator of the machinery.

In Table A below, are five example polymers that can be used in variousembodiments of wrap-around components for the golf club head. The dryingtemperature can range from 150° F. to 350° F. In some embodiments thedrying temperature can be 150° F., 175° F., 200° F., 225° F., 250° F.,275° F., 300° F., 325° F., or 350° F. Furthermore, the drying time canrange from 0 hours to at least 24 hours. In some embodiments, no dryingtime is necessary. In other embodiments, the drying time required can beat least 2 hours, at least 4 hours, at least 6 hours, at least 8 hours,at least 10 hours, at least 12 hours, or at least 14 hours. In someembodiments, the drying time required can range between 0-2 hours, 2-4hours, 4-6 hours, 6-8 hours, 8-10 hours, 10-12 hours, 12-14 hours, 14-16hours, 16-18 hours, 18-20 hours, 20-22 hours, or 22-24 hours. Furtherstill, in some embodiments, the drying time can well exceed the minimumdry time (i.e., drying Nylon 66, which has a minimum drying time of 4hours, for 28 hours).

TABLE A Nylon Nylon Polymer Type 66 6 PP TPU PES Temperature 185° F.185° F. Not required 190° F. 300° F. Time 4 hours 4 hours N/A 4 hours 6hours Max Moisture 0.18% 0.18% N/A 0.02% 0.04% Content

Once the drying process is complete, the chosen composite material canbe heated in the injection molder. In one embodiment, the injectionmolder comprises a hopper, a compression screw, a screw tip, and a mold.The composite material (in pellet form) is placed in the hopper, whereinthe hopper slowly feeds pellets into the compression screw. Thecompression screw gradually rotates moving the pellets from the hopper,towards the screw tip. As the pellets are moved from the hopper to thescrew tip, they are heated at various temperatures, liquifying thepellets. The liquified composite material passes into screw tip and thendispensed out of the screw tip into the mold, thus forming thewrap-around component.

However, there are a variety of factors that must be accounted for inthe injection molder to properly heat the chosen composite material. Thechosen composite material must be heated at various temperatures as itmoves from the hopper, to the compression screw, to screw tip, and thusinto the mold. Further, the compression screw comprises 3 differentzones, a feed zone, a transition zone, and a metering zone, at which thecomposite material can be heated at different temperatures. In totalthere are 5 different regions of the injection molder, in which thecomposite material can be heated at various temperatures, to optimizethe flow and material properties of each material.

Referring to Table B, below, are 5 example polymers, that can be used invarious embodiments of wrap-around components for the golf club head,and their respective heating ranges for the 5 regions of the injectionmolder.

TABLE B Nylon Nylon Polymer Type 66 6 PP TPU PES Feed Zone 540° F.-570°F. 500° F.-530° F. 390° F.-410° F. 440° F.-500° F. 660° F.-690° F.Transition Zone 550° F.-580° F. 510° F.-540° F. 410° F.-420° F. 410°F.-480° F. 680° F.-710° F. Metering Zone 560° F.-590° F. 520° F.-550° F.410° F.-430° F. 420° F.-480° F. 690° F.-720° F. Screw Tip 550° F.-590°F. 520° F.-550° F. 400° F.-420° F. 430° F.-480° F. 700° F.-730° F. Mold200° F. 200° F. 175° F. 210° F. 325° F.-380° F.

The temperature at the feed zone of the injection molder can rangebetween 350° F.-800° F. In some embodiments, the temperature at the feedzone of the injection molder can range between, 350° F.-400° F., 400°F.-450° F., 450° F.-500° F., 500° F.-550° F., 550° F.-600° F., 600°F.-650° F., 650° F.-700° F., 700° F.-750° F., and 750° F.-800° F. Inother embodiments, the temperature at the feed zone of the injectionmolder can be at least 400° F., at least 500° F., at least 600° F., atleast 700° F., or at least 800° F. Further still, in some embodimentsthe temperature at the feed zone of the injection molder can rangebetween the provided ranges in Table B above.

The temperature at the transition zone of the injection molder can rangebetween 350° F.-800° F. In some embodiments, the temperature at the feedzone of the injection molder can range between, 350° F.-400° F., 400°F.-450° F., 450° F.-500° F., 500° F.-550° F., 550° F.-600° F., 600°F.-650° F., 650° F.-700° F., 700° F.-750° F., and 750° F.-800° F. Inother embodiments, the temperature at the transition zone of theinjection molder can be at least 400° F., at least 500° F., at least600° F., at least 700° F., or at least 800° F. Further still, in someembodiments the temperature at the transition zone of the injectionmolder can range between the provided ranges in Table B above.

The temperature at the metering zone of the injection molder can rangebetween 350° F.-800° F. In some embodiments, the temperature at themetering zone of the injection molder can range between, 350° F.-400°F., 400° F.-450° F., 450° F.-500° F., 500° F.-550° F., 550° F.-600° F.,600° F.-650° F., 650° F.-700° F., 700° F.-750° F., and 750° F.-800° F.In other embodiments, the temperature at the metering zone of theinjection molder can be at least 400° F., at least 500° F., at least600° F., at least 700° F., or at least 800° F. Further still, in someembodiments the temperature at the metering zone of the injection moldercan range between the provided ranges in Table B above.

The temperature at the screw tip of the injection molder can rangebetween 350° F.-800° F. In some embodiments, the temperature at the feedzone of the injection molder can range between, 350° F.-400° F., 400°F.-450° F., 450° F.-500° F., 500° F.-550° F., 550° F.-600° F., 600°F.-650° F., 650° F.-700° F., 700° F.-750° F., and 750° F.-800° F. Inother embodiments, the temperature at the screw tip of the injectionmolder can be at least 400° F., at least 500° F., at least 600° F., atleast 700° F., or at least 800° F. Further still, in some embodimentsthe temperature at the screw tip of the injection molder can rangebetween the provided ranges in Table B above.

The temperature of the mold can range between 0° F.-400° F. In someembodiments, the temperature at the feed zone of the injection moldercan range between, 0° F.-50° F., 50° F.-100° F., 100° F.-150° F., 150°F.-200° F., 200° F.-250° F., 250° F.-300° F., 300° F.-350° F., or 350°F.-400° F. In other embodiments, the temperature of the mold can be atleast, 0° F., at least 100° F., at least 200° F., or at least 300° F.Further still, in some embodiments the temperature of the mold can rangebetween the provided ranges in Table B above.

Once the composite material is heated, the screw tip dispenses theliquid composite into the desired mold. When the liquid composite isinjected into the mold, the liquid composite material flows through theflow aperture 122, around (and through) the at least interlockingfeatures 120, and around the chassis 102. This forms the desired putterhead 100 shape (i.e., blade, mid-mallet, mallet).

Although the above-described mold is designed to form a single putterhead 100, the mold can also be designed to simultaneously form two,three, four, five, or six putter heads 100. Similar to a single mold, asprue feeds material from the injection molder compression screw intotwo gates, one for each putter head being formed.

Further, during the injection molding process, the direction of materialflow within the mold will affect the fiber alignment. The walls of thesprue, gate, and mold can interact with the flowing composite material,causing at least 50% of the fibers to align in the direction of flow.Therefore, the direction of the flow impacts the fiberalignment/structure of the putter head 100. By locating the gate on afirst extremity of the mold (corresponding to the striking surface 110of the putter head 100) the material initially flows forward towards asecond extremity of the mold (opposite of the gate and corresponding toa rear portion 112 of the putter head 100). This flow aligns the fibersin the crown 115 and sole 117 roughly perpendicular to the strikingsurface 110 in the final club head 100. The strength of the compositematerial in a given direction is affected by the fiber alignment. Havingthe fibers aligned roughly perpendicular to the striking surface 110increases the durability of the club head in the front to reardirection. The durability of the striking surface 110 in the front torear direction is necessary to prevent failure, because upon impact witha golf ball, the striking surface 110 is directly hitting and contactinga golf ball. Therefore, aligning the fibers with the direction ofcompression stress that is expected at impact with a golf ball lowersthe likelihood of failure within the composite putter head 100.

The pressure and speed at which the composite material is dispensed intothe mold is equally as important as the temperature and direction of thecomposite material, in order to achieve a strong and durable putter head100. The pressure of the injection molder is hydraulically applied fromthe back of the injection molder into the compression screw. The speedof the injection molder is the speed at which the composite materialexits the screw tip. The pressure and speed help ensure that thecomposite material flows evenly through the mold, filling the entiremold.

In most embodiments, the injection pressure of the composite materialthrough the injection molder can range between 0-2000 psi. In someembodiments, the injection pressure of the composite material throughthe injection molder can range from 0-100 psi, 100-200 psi, 200-300 psi,300-400 psi, 400-500 psi, 500-600 psi, 600-700 psi, 700-800 psi, 800-900psi, 900-1000 psi, 1000-1100 psi, 1100-1200 psi, 1200-1300 psi,1300-1400 psi, 1400-1500 psi, 1500-1600 psi, 1600-1700 psi, 1700-1800psi, 1800-1900 psi, or 1900-2000 psi. In other embodiments, theinjection pressure of the composite material through the injectionmolder can be at least 100 psi, at least 200 psi, at least 300 psi, atleast 400 psi, at least 500 psi, at least 600 psi, at least 700 psi, atleast 800 psi, at least 900 psi, at least 1000 psi, at least 1100 psi,at least 1200 psi, at least 1300 psi, at least 1400 psi, at least 1500psi, at least 1600 psi, or at least 1700 psi.

Finally, once the composite material is injected into the mold, theputter-type body 104 is formed around the chassis 102, and the finalgolf club head 100 is formed, the golf club head 100 is ejected from theinjection molder. The top die is removed from the bottom die, and thepins are removed, leaving the golf club head 100 positioned in thebottom die. The at least one ejector pins of the bottom die subsequentlyextend from the bottom die pushing the putter head 100 out of the mold,completing the injection molding process.

The full injection molding step can be completed in an amount of timeknown as the cycle time. In embodiments where the mold comprises morethan one cavity for forming more than one wrap-around componentsimultaneously, a part production speed is determined by dividing thecycle time by the number of components produced within one cycle. Thecycle time can range between 20 seconds to 120 seconds. In someembodiments, the cycle time ranges between 20 seconds and 60 seconds,between 30 seconds and 60 seconds, between 40 second and 60 seconds,between 60 seconds and 90 seconds, between 70 seconds and 90 seconds, orbetween 100 seconds and 120 seconds.

Step 4: Cool the Putter Head

Following the injection molding of the golf club head 100, the putterhead 100 is cooled for a desired amount of time, to allow the compositematerial to harden and settle within the flow aperture 122, within andaround the at least one interlocking features 120, and around thechassis 102. The cooling of the putter head 100, in some embodiments,can occur in the mold, prior to ejection of the putter head 100 from themold. In most embodiments, the putter head 100 is cooled in a coolingbath of a cool liquid, such as water.

The cooling time can range between 20 seconds to 120 seconds. In someembodiments, the cycle time ranges between 20 seconds and 60 seconds,between 30 seconds and 60 seconds, between 40 second and 60 seconds,between 60 seconds and 90 seconds, between 70 seconds and 90 seconds, orbetween 100 seconds and 120 seconds.

Step 5: Finish the Putter Head

Once the putter head 100 is cooled, the golf club head is finished. Thisstep can comprise polishing, cleaning, coating, and/or painting the clubhead. In most embodiments, the putter head 100 has the gate and sprueattached to the striking surface 110 of the putter head 100. The gateand sprue are machined or cut away, and the face is smoothed, to form alevel striking surface 110. In some embodiments, the striking faceinsert 115 is secured within the striking surface 110, covering thecavity created from the mold.

The striking face insert 116 can be formed by a number of differentprocesses. The different forming processes include the following:injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding,co-molding, laser forming, film insert molding, gas assist molding,rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3-D printing, forging,stamping, electroforming, machining, molding, or any combinationthereof. Further, the striking face insert 116 can have any combinationof hardness, volume, thickness, and forming processes described above.

Finally, the putter head 100, is attached to a golf shaft (not shown),wherein the shaft comprises a grip, to form a usable, functioning golfclub. The golf shaft can be various lengths, with various grip sizes, toaccommodate golfers of various sizes. Furthermore, the golf shaft cancomprise the hosel wherein the hosel forms the connection between theshaft and the putter head 100.

d.) Benefits

The putter-type golf club head provides MOI, CG, feel, and weightingbenefits, in a putter-type golf club head with a high-density chassisand low density putter-type body and/or without using mechanicallyfastened weights or weight ports. By creating a putter-type golf clubhead from a high-density chassis that is surrounded by a low-densityputter-type body, the weighting of the club head shifts towards theperipheries of the putter-type golf club head, without any weight portsor attachments to the heel end and toe end of the putter-type golf clubhead. This shift in weight, towards the peripheries of the putter-typegolf club head, raises the MOI of the club head about the y-axis (Iyy),therefore preventing the rotation of the club head at impact, about they-axis, and assuring the strike face is square to a golf ball duringimpact. The increase in MOI about the y-axis helps achieve a straighterball path and improve the outcome of off-centered hits (impact at theheel end or toe end).

By creating the putter-type golf club head from the high-density chassisthat is surrounded by the low-density putter-type body, the putter-typegolf club head can be optimized to improve the MOI, while keeping thegolf club head at a desirable overall weight. In some embodiments, themoment of inertia of the golf club head about the y-axis center ofgravity is between 3500 g·cm²-8000 g·cm². In other embodiments themoment of inertia of the golf club head about the y-axis center ofgravity can be between 3500 g·cm²-4000 g·cm², 4000 g·cm²-4500 g·cm²,4500 g·cm²-5000 g·cm², 5000 g·cm²-5500 g·cm², 5500 g·cm²-6000 g·cm²,6000 g·cm²-6500 g·cm², 6500 g·cm²-7000 g·cm², 7000 g·cm²-7500 g·cm², or7500 g·cm²-8000 g·cm².

The putter-type golf club head with the high-density chassis and lowdensity putter-type body, increases the MOI about the y-axis center ofgravity by at least 1% over a putter with the same volume, mass, andsingle material construction (i.e., a putter milled of a single materialsuch as a steel putter or a putter investment cast of a singlematerial). In some embodiments, the putter-type golf club head with thehigh-density chassis and low density putter-type body, increases the MOIabout the y-axis center of gravity by at least 1%, by at least 5%, by atleast 10%, by at least 20%, by at least 25%, by at least 30%, by atleast 35%, by at least 40%, by at least 45%, by at least 50%, by atleast 55%, by at least 60%, by at least 65%, by at least 70%, by atleast 75%, by at least 80%, by at least 85%, by at least 90%, by atleast 95%, by at least 95%, by at least 100%, or by at least 105%, overa putter with the same volume, mass, and single material construction.

e.) Co-Molded Putter Embodiments

Mallet Putter Head Embodiment

In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 can be a malletputter head 1100. Referring to FIGS. 10-12 , the putter head 1100comprises a chassis 1102 and a putter-type body 1104. The chassis 1102is made from a first material having a first density and the putter-typebody 1104 is made from a second material having a second density. Thefirst density is greater than the second density. The chassis 1102 andthe putter-type body 1104 combine to create a high MOI putter head 2100(4,500 g·cm²-5,500 g·cm²), while maintaining a desirable volume andmass.

As discussed above, the chassis 1102 is comprise of a high-densitymaterial (i.e., the first material). In this embodiment, the chassis1102 comprises the first material with a density greater than 7.0 g/cc.The chassis 1102 comprises a heel portion 1124. The chassis 1102comprises a toe portion 1126, opposite the heel portion 1124. Thechassis 1102 comprises a rear 1128. The rear 1128 is adjacent the heelportion 1124 and the toe portion 1126. The chassis 1102 comprises a rear1128. The rear 1128 is adjacent the heel portion 1124 and the toeportion 1126. The chassis 1102 comprises a front 1130 formed by only thetoe portion 1126 and the heel portion 1124 (entirely devoid of thecentral strut 132 as mentioned in some embodiments).

Further, the chassis 1102 comprises an upper surface 1134. The uppersurface 1134 is adjacent the rear 1128, the front 1130, the toe portion1126, and the heel portion 1124. The chassis 1102 comprises a lowersurface 1136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 1134, andis adjacent the rear 1128, the front 1130, the toe portion 1126, and theheel portion 1124.

The chassis 1102 can be “U-shaped,” horseshoe shaped, parabolicallyshaped, dumbbell shaped, or any other desired curved shape. In mostembodiments, the chassis 1102 shape fosters the desirable shift of masstowards the peripheries (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 1102 andthe peripheries of the putter-type golf club head 1100.

Still referring to FIGS. 10-12 , the heel portion 1124, toe portion1126, and rear 1128 form a flow region 1138. The flow region 1138functions identically as the flow aperture 128, however is merely devoidof the central strut 132. When the putter-type body 1104 is molded tothe chassis 1102, the flow region 1138 allows the lightweight, lowdensity material of the putter-type body 1104 to encapsulate the chassis1102 such that the body 1104 extends through and completely fills theflow region 1138. The flow region 1138 allows the putter body 1104 tointegrally interlock the body 1104 and the chassis 1102, to form theclub head 1100. Furthermore, the flow region 1138 allows thelightweight, low density material of the putter-type body 1104 to flowin a direction perpendicular to the striking surface 1110 of the golfclub head 1100. In some cases when the putter-type body 1104 is formedfrom a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrous filler, thisallows the fibers to settle in a direction perpendicular to the strikingsurface 1110, increasing the strength and durability of the club head1100. Further still, the flow region 1138 allows a thermoplasticcomposite material with a fibrous filler to closely surround the chassis1102, with minimal porosity, thereby forming a solid and durable clubhead 1100.

The chassis 1102 comprises at least one interlocking feature 1120protruding or extending from any one or combination of the followingchassis 1102 features: the heel portion 1124, the toe portion 1126, therear 1128, the front 1130, the upper surface 1134, and the lower surface1136. The at least one interlocking features 1120 function to furtherinterlock and integrally join the chassis 1102 and the putter-type body1104, by allowing a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller (or other high strength lightweight material) to encase theentirety of the at least one interlocking feature 1120.

The chassis 1102 can comprise three interlocking features 1120. In someembodiments, the chassis 1102 can comprise two or more interlockingfeatures 1120, three or more interlocking features 1120, four or moreinterlocking features, or more. In this embodiment, the fiveinterlocking features 1120 can be in the form of an anchor. In thisembodiment, wherein the three interlocking features 1120 are in the formof an anchor, an anchor aperture 1140 is formed between the each of thethree interlocking features 1120 and the portion of the chassis 1102(the heel portion 1124, the toe portion 1126, the rear 1128, the front1130, the upper surface 1134, and the lower surface 1136) that whicheach of the three interlocking features 1120 protrudes from. In thisembodiment, the chassis 1102 comprises three anchor apertures 1140, onecorresponding to each of the three interlocking features 1120. Theanchor apertures 1140 and interlocking features 1120, similar to theflow aperture 1122, allows the lightweight, low density material of theputter-type body 1104, to entirely fill the anchor apertures 1140 andencapsulate the interlocking features 1120, to integrally join thechassis 1102 and the putter-type body 1104.

In many embodiments, the anchor apertures 1140 of the three interlockingfeature 1120 can be any one of the following shapes: circular,semi-circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal,octagonal, any polygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape. Insome embodiments, the at least one anchor interlocking features 1120 cancomprise more than one anchor apertures 1140. In these embodiments, themore than one anchor apertures 1140 of the at least one interlockingfeatures 1120 can be any one or combination of the following shapes:circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal,any polygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape. In thisembodiments, referring to FIG. _, the anchor apertures 1140 aresemi-circular in shape.

As aforementioned, the putter-type body 1104 comprises a low densitysecond material. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 1104comprises a thermoplastic composite material that comprises athermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In otherembodiments, the putter-type body 1104 can comprise any other lowdensity second material, wherein the other low density materials are notrepeated herein for brevity. In this embodiment, the putter-type body1104 comprises the second material with a density less than 4.0 g/cc.The chassis 1102 and the putter-type body 1104 are permanently joinedwithout the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplasticpolymer matrix miller and filler of the putter-type body 2104, combinedwith the flow region 1138 and at least one interlocking feature 1120 ofthe chassis 1102, creates an integral putter 1100, without the use ofwelding, epoxies, or adhesives.

In some embodiments, the putter type golf club head 1100 can comprise astriking surface 1110 made of the first material and the secondmaterial. In this embodiment, the first and second material equally formthe striking surface 1110. In this embodiment, the high-density firstmaterial is located near the heel end 108 and the toe end 106, tomaximize the MOI, by positioning the heavy material towards theperipheries of the putter 1100.

The putter-type body 1104 is integrally formed within the chassis 1102.As previously described the light-weight material of the putter-typebody 1104 extends through and completely fill the chassis 1102 flowregion 1138, interlocks the body 1104 and the chassis 1102, and formsthe putter-type golf club head 1100. Further, in some embodiments, theputter-type body 1104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis1102. In this embodiment, the putter-type body 1104 encases at least 10%of the chassis 1102.

The putter-type body 1104, when combined with the chassis 1102, formsthe golf club head 1100 toe end 1106, heel end 1108, rear portion 1112,and striking surface 1110. The putter-type body 1104 forms a portion ofthe crown 1115 and a portion of the sole 1117. In reference to FIGS. _,when the putter-type body 1104 and chassis 1102 are joined, the chassis1102 and putter-type body 1104 combine to form the putter 1100 crown1115. Similarly, when the putter-type body 1104 and chassis 1102 arejoined, the chassis 1102 and putter-type body 1104 combine to form theputter 1100 sole 1117.

The putter-type body 1104 can form 100% of the crown 1115, such that thechassis 1102 cannot be seen from an address position. In this embodimenthowever, the putter-type body 1104 forms at least 50% of the crown 1115.Similar to the crown 1115, the putter-type body 1104 can form 100% ofthe sole 1117, such that the chassis 1102 does not contact the groundplane, at an address position. In this embodiment however, theputter-type body 1104 forms at least 50% of the sole 1117, wherein aportion of the putter-type body 1104 and a portion of the chassis 1102contacts the ground, at an address position.

Further, the putter-type body 1104 forms at least a portion of the golfclub head 1100 alignment feature 1114. In some embodiments, theputter-type body 1104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 1114.The alignment feature 1114 can be any one or combination of thefollowing: a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, atriangle, a channel, a trough, a series of troughs, a channel, or anyother desired shape for an alignment feature 1114. In most embodiments,the alignment feature 1114 is positioned on the crown 1115. Further, inmost embodiments, the alignment feature 1114 is positioned equidistancefrom the heel end 1108 and the toe end 1106, perpendicular to thestriking surface 1110, such that a golfer can utilize the alignmentfeature 1114 to accurately line up the putter 1100, to strike a golfball at an address position. In this embodiment, the alignment feature1114 comprises a line 1150 positioned on the crown 1115.

Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 1102 comprises less than 60% ofa total volume of the putter 1100. The chassis 1102 also comprises atleast 60% of an overall mass of the putter 1100. By creating aputter-type golf club head 1100 from a high-density chassis 1102 that issurrounded by a low-density putter-type body 1104, the weighting of theclub head 1100 shifts towards the peripheries of the putter-type golfclub head 1100, without any weight ports or attachments to the heel end1108 and toe end 1106 of the putter-type golf club head 1100. This shiftin weight, towards the peripheries of the putter-type golf club head1100, raises the MOI of the club head 1100 about the y-axis (Iyy),therefore preventing the rotation of the club head 1100 at impact, aboutthe y-axis, and assuring the striking surface 1110 is square to a golfball during impact. The increase in MOI about the y-axis helps achieve astraighter ball path and improve the outcome of off-centered hits(impact at the heel end or toe end).

The exemplary club head 1100 was compared to a control club head(hereafter the “control”), wherein the control was a golf club head ofidentical shape and volume as the exemplary club head 1100. However, thecontrol club head was made entirely from stainless steel and tungsten,whereas the exemplary club head 1100 was made from the first,high-density material (stainless steel), and the second, low-densitymaterial (TPC).

The exemplary club head 1100 comprises a mass of 354.6 grams, with amoment of inertia about the y axis of 5,418.05 g/cm². In comparison, thecontrol club comprises a mass of 365.2 grams, which is nearly 9 gramslighter, with a moment of inertia about the y axis of 4,270.31 g/cm².The exemplary club head 1100 comprises a 26.88% increase in moment ofinertia. Thus, the exemplary club head 1100 comprises more forgiveness(higher MOI about the y-axis means the club head 1100 is less likely torotate on off-center impacts, thus more consistently straight hits) thanthe control club.

Circular Mallet Putter Head Embodiment

In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 can be a circularshaped mallet putter head 2100. Referring to FIGS. 22-25 , the circularputter head 2100 comprises a chassis 2102 and a putter-type body 2104.The chassis 2102 is made from a first material having a first densityand the putter-type body 2104 is made from a second material having asecond density. The first density is greater than the second density.The chassis 2102 and the putter-type body 2104 combine to create a lightweight (315 grams-345 grams), high MOI putter head 2100 (3,500g·cm²-4,000 g·cm²), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.

As discussed above, the chassis 2102 is comprise of a high-densitymaterial (i.e., the first material). In this embodiment, the chassis2102 comprises the first material with a density greater than 7.0 g/cc.The chassis 2102 comprises a heel portion 2124. The chassis 2102comprises a toe portion 2126, opposite the heel portion 2124. Thechassis 2102 comprises a rear 2128. The rear 2128 is adjacent the heelportion 2124 and the toe portion 2126. The chassis 2102 comprises afront 2130 formed by only the toe portion 2126 and the heel portion 2124(entirely devoid of the central strut 132 as mentioned in someembodiments).

Further, the chassis 2102 comprises an upper surface 2134. The uppersurface 2134 is adjacent the rear 2128, the front 2130, the toe portion2126, and the heel portion 2124. The chassis 2102 comprises a lowersurface 2136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 2134, andis adjacent the rear 2128, the front 2130, the toe portion 2126, and theheel portion 2124.

The chassis 2102 can be “U-shaped,” horseshoe shaped, parabolicallyshaped, dumbbell shaped, or any other desired curved shape. In mostembodiments, the chassis 2102 shape fosters the desirable shift of masstowards the peripheries (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 2102 andthe peripheries of the putter-type golf club head 2100.

Still referring to FIGS. 22-25 , the heel portion 2124, toe portion2126, and rear 2128 form a flow region 2138. The flow region 2138functions identically as the flow aperture 128, however is merely devoidof the central strut 132. When the putter-type body 2104 is molded tothe chassis 2102, the flow region 2138 allows the lightweight, lowdensity material of the putter-type body 2104 to encapsulate the chassis2102 such that the body 2104 extends through and completely fills theflow region 2138. The flow region 2138 allows the putter body 2104 tointegrally interlock the body 2104 and the chassis 2102, to form theclub head 2100. Furthermore, the flow region 2138 allows thelightweight, low density material of the putter-type body 2104 to flowin a direction perpendicular to the striking surface 2110 of the golfclub head 2100. In some cases when the putter-type body 2104 is formedfrom a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrous filler, thisallows the fibers to settle in a direction perpendicular to the strikingsurface 2110, increasing the strength and durability of the club head2100. Further still, the flow region 2138 allows a thermoplasticcomposite material with a fibrous filler to closely surround the chassis2102, with minimal porosity, thereby forming a solid and durable clubhead 2100.

The chassis 2102 comprises at least one interlocking feature 2120protruding or extending from any one or combination of the followingchassis 2102 features: the heel portion 2124, the toe portion 2126, therear 2128, the front 2130, the upper surface 2134, and the lower surface2136. The at least one interlocking features 2120 function to furtherinterlock and integrally join the chassis 2102 and the putter-type body2104, by allowing a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller (or other high strength lightweight material) to encase theentirety of the at least one interlocking feature 2120.

The chassis 2102 can comprise three interlocking features 2120. In someembodiments, the chassis 2102 can comprise two or more interlockingfeatures 2120, three or more interlocking features 2120, four or moreinterlocking features, or more. In this embodiment, the threeinterlocking features 2120 can be in the form of an anchor. In thisembodiment, wherein the three interlocking features 2120 are in the formof an anchor, an anchor aperture 2140 is formed between the each of thetwo of the interlocking features 2120 and the portion of the chassis2102 (the heel portion 2124, the toe portion 2126, the rear 2128, thefront 2130, the upper surface 2134, and the lower surface 2136) thatwhich each of the two interlocking features 2120 protrudes from.Further, the third interlocking feature 2120, comprises three anchorapertures 2140, formed within the interlocking feature 2120, and therear 2128. In this embodiment, the chassis 2102 comprises five anchorapertures 2140, one corresponding to each of the five interlockingfeatures 2120. The anchor apertures 2140 and interlocking features 2120,similar to the flow aperture 2122, allows the lightweight, low densitymaterial of the putter-type body 2104, to entirely fill the anchorapertures 2140 and encapsulate the interlocking features 2120, tointegrally join the chassis 2102 and the putter-type body 2104.

In many embodiments, the anchor apertures 2140 of the three interlockingfeature 2120 can be any one of the following shapes: circular,elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, anypolygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape. In someembodiments, the at least one anchor interlocking features 2120 cancomprise more than one anchor apertures 2140. In these embodiments, themore than one anchor apertures 2140 of the at least one interlockingfeatures 2120 can be any one or combination of the following shapes:circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal,any polygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape. In thisembodiments, referring to FIG. 24 , the anchor apertures 2140 are acombination of ovular and rectangular in shape.

As aforementioned, the putter-type body 2104 comprises a low densitysecond material. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 2104comprises a thermoplastic composite material that comprises athermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In otherembodiments, the putter-type body 2104 can comprise any other lowdensity second material, wherein the other low density materials are notrepeated herein for brevity. In this embodiment, the putter-type body2104 comprises the second material with a density less than 4.0 g/cc.The chassis 2102 and the putter-type body 2104 are permanently joinedwithout the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplasticpolymer matrix miller and filler of the putter-type body 2104, combinedwith the flow region 2138 and at least one interlocking feature 2120 ofthe chassis 2102, creates an integral putter 2100, without the use ofwelding, epoxies, or adhesives.

Further, the putter-type golf club head 2100 can comprise a strike faceinsert 2116, positioned on or within the striking surface 2110. In theseembodiments, the strike face insert 2116 is independently formed priorto being coupled to the club head 2100. The side of the strike faceinsert 2116 that will contact the club head 2100 can comprise a geometrycomplementary to the geometry of the corresponding portion (i.e., acavity in the striking surface of the putter-type golf club head) of theclub head 2100 that will contact the striking surface 2110. In thisembodiment, the putter head 2100, can comprises the chassis 2102, of thefirst material, the putter-type body 2104, of the second material, andthe strike face insert 2116, comprising the third material.

The strike face insert 2116 can be secured to the club head 2100 by afastening means. In this embodiment, the strike face insert 2116 issecured to the putter-type body 2104. In this embodiments, in referenceto FIG. 25 , the putter-type body 2104 can comprise an insert cavity2118, wherein the cavity 2118 functions to receive the strike faceinsert 2116. The strike face insert 2116 can be secured by an adhesivesuch as glue, very high bond (VHB™) tape, epoxy or another adhesive.Alternately or additionally, the strike face insert 2116 can be securedby welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlockstructure, or another fastening method.

The putter-type body 2104 is integrally formed within and around thechassis 2102. As previously described the light-weight material of theputter-type body 2104 extends through and completely fill the chassis2102 flow aperture 2122, interlocks the body 2104 and the chassis 2102,and forms the putter-type golf club head 2100. Further, in someembodiments, the putter-type body 2104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% ofthe chassis 2102. In this embodiment, the putter-type body 2104 encasesat least 30% of the chassis 2102.

The putter-type body 2104, when combined with the chassis 2102, formsthe golf club head 2100 toe end 2106, heel end 2108, rear portion 2112,and striking surface 2110. The putter-type body 2104 forms a portion ofthe crown 2115 and a portion of the sole 2117. In reference to FIGS. 22and 23 , when the putter-type body 2104 and chassis 2102 are joined, thechassis 2102 and putter-type body 2104 combine to form the putter 2100crown 2115. Similarly, when the putter-type body 2104 and chassis 2102are joined, the chassis 2102 and putter-type body 2104 combine to formthe putter 2100 sole 2117.

The putter-type body 2104 can form 100% of the crown 2115, such that thechassis 2102 cannot be seen from an address position. In this embodimenthowever, the putter-type body 2104 forms at least 50% of the crown 2115.Similar to the crown 2115, the putter-type body 2104 can form 100% ofthe sole 2117, such that the chassis 2102 does not contact the groundplane, at an address position. In this embodiment however, theputter-type body 2104 forms at least 50% of the sole 2117, wherein aportion of the putter-type body 2104 and a portion of the chassis 2102contacts the ground, at an address position.

Further, the putter-type body 2104 forms at least a portion of the golfclub head 2100 alignment feature 2114. In some embodiments, theputter-type body 2104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 2114.The alignment feature 2114 can be any one or combination of thefollowing: a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, atriangle, a channel, a trough, a series of troughs, a channel, or anyother desired shape for an alignment feature 2114. In most embodiments,the alignment feature 2114 is positioned on the crown 2115. Further, inmost embodiments, the alignment feature 2114 is positioned equidistancefrom the heel end 2108 and the toe end 2106, perpendicular to thestriking surface 2110, such that a golfer can utilize the alignmentfeature 2114 to accurately line up the putter 2100, to strike a golfball at an address position.

In this embodiment, the alignment feature 2114 comprises two lines 2150,and golf ball sized aperture 2152, positioned on the crown. The toe end2106, the heel end 2108, striking surface 2110, rear portion 2112, formthe ball sized aperture 2152. The ball sized aperture 2152 helps agolfer match the striking surface 2110 to the ball, with two alignmentlines 2150 on each end, leading to improvement in the alignment of theputter, in combination with a traditional alignment feature (i.e., oneline, one circle, or one arrow).

Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 2102 comprises less than 50% ofa total volume of the putter 2100, yet the chassis 2102 comprises atleast 60% of an overall mass of the putter 2100. By creating aputter-type golf club head 2100 from a high-density chassis 2102 that issurrounded by a low-density putter-type body 2104, the weighting of theclub head 2100 shifts towards the peripheries of the putter-type golfclub head 2100, without any weight ports or attachments to the heel end2108 and toe end 2106 of the putter-type golf club head 2100. This shiftin weight, towards the peripheries of the putter-type golf club head2100, raises the MOI of the club head 2100 about the y-axis (Iyy),therefore preventing the rotation of the club head 2100 at impact, aboutthe y-axis, and assuring the striking surface 2110 is square to a golfball during impact. The increase in MOI about the y-axis helps achieve astraighter ball path and improve the outcome of off-centered hits(impact at the heel end or toe end).

The exemplary club head 2100 was compared to a control club head(hereafter the “control”), wherein the control was a golf club head ofidentical shape and volume as the exemplary club head 2100. However, thecontrol club head was made entirely from stainless steel, whereas theexemplary club head 2100 was made from the first, high-density material(tungsten), and the second, low-density material (TPC).

The exemplary club head 2100 comprises a mass of 355.4 grams, with amoment of inertia about the y axis of 4,863.86 g/cm². In comparison, thecontrol club comprises a mass of 363.5 grams, with a moment of inertiaabout the y axis of 4,741.28 g/cm². The exemplary club head 2100 isnearly 9 grams lighter and comprises a 2.59% increase in moment ofinertia. Thus, the exemplary club head 2100 is lighter and yet comprisesmore forgiveness (higher MOI about the y-axis means the club head 2100is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, thus more consistentlystraight hits) than the control club.

Semi-Circular Mallet Putter Head Embodiment

In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 can be asemi-circular shaped mallet putter head 3100. Referring to FIGS. 26-28 ,the semi-circular putter head 3100 comprises a chassis 3102 and aputter-type body 3104. The chassis 3102 is made from a first materialhaving a first density and the putter-type body 3104 is made from asecond material having a second density. The first density is greaterthan the second density. The chassis 3102 and the putter-type body 3104combine to create a high-MOI putter head 3100 (4,500 g·cm²-6,500 g·cm²),while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.

As discussed above, the chassis 3102 is comprise of a high-densitymaterial (i.e., the first material). In this embodiment, the chassis3102 comprises the first material with a density greater than 7.0 g/cc.The chassis 3102 comprises a heel portion 3124. The chassis 3102comprises a toe portion 3126, opposite the heel portion 3124. Thechassis 3102 comprises a rear 3128. The rear 3128 is adjacent the heelportion 3124 and the toe portion 3126. The chassis 3102 comprises afront 3130 formed by only the toe portion 3126 and the heel portion 3124(entirely devoid of the central strut 132 as mentioned in someembodiments).

Further, the chassis 3102 comprises an upper surface 3134. The uppersurface 3134 is adjacent the rear 3128, the front 3130, the toe portion3126, and the heel portion 3124. The chassis 3102 comprises a lowersurface 3136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 3134, andis adjacent the rear 3128, the front 3130, the toe portion 3126, and theheel portion 3124.

The chassis 3102 can be “U-shaped,” horseshoe shaped, parabolicallyshaped, dumbbell shaped, or any other desired curved shape. In mostembodiments, the chassis 3102 shape fosters the desirable shift of masstowards the peripheries (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 3102 andthe peripheries of the putter-type golf club head 3100.

The heel portion 3124, toe portion 3126, and rear 3128 form a flowregion 3138. The flow region 3138 functions identically as the flowaperture 122, however is merely devoid of the central strut 3132. Whenthe putter-type body 3104 is molded to the chassis 3102, the flow region3138 allows the lightweight, low density material of the putter-typebody 3104 to encapsulate the chassis 3102 such that the body 3104extends through and completely fills the flow region 3138. The flowregion 3138 allows the putter body 3104 to integrally interlock the body3104 and the chassis 3102, to form the club head 3100. Furthermore, theflow region 3138 allows the lightweight, low density material of theputter-type body 3104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to thestriking surface 3110 of the golf club head 3100. In some cases when theputter-type body 3104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite materialwith a fibrous filler, this allows the fibers to settle in a directionperpendicular to the striking surface 3110, increasing the strength anddurability of the club head 3100. Further still, the flow region 3138allows a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrous filler toclosely surround the chassis 3102, with minimal porosity, therebyforming a solid and durable club head 3100.

The chassis 3102 comprises at least one interlocking feature 3120protruding or extending from any one or combination of the followingchassis 3102 features: the heel portion 3124, the toe portion 3126, therear 3128, the front 3130, the upper surface 3134, and the lower surface3136. The at least one interlocking features 3120 function to furtherinterlock and integrally join the chassis 3102 and the putter-type body3104, by allowing a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller (or other high strength lightweight material) to encase theentirety of the at least one interlocking feature 3120.

The chassis 3102 can comprise three interlocking features 3120. In someembodiments, the chassis 3102 can comprise two or more interlockingfeatures 3120, three or more interlocking features 3120, four or moreinterlocking features, or more. In this embodiment, the threeinterlocking features 3120 can be in the form of an anchor. In thisembodiment, wherein the two of the three interlocking features 3120 arein the form of an anchor and the third interlocking feature 3120 is inthe form of an interlocking beam. An anchor aperture 3140 is formedbetween the each of the two interlocking features 3120 and the portionof the chassis 3102 (the heel portion 3124, the toe portion 3126, therear 3128, the front 3130, the upper surface 3134, and the lower surface3136) that which each of the two anchor interlocking features 3120protrudes from. In this embodiment, the chassis 3102 comprises twoanchor apertures 3140, one corresponding to each of the anchorinterlocking features 3120. The anchor apertures 3140 and anchorinterlocking features 3120, similar to the flow aperture 3122, allowsthe lightweight, low density material of the putter-type body 3104, toentirely fill the anchor apertures 3140 and encapsulate the interlockingfeatures 3120, to integrally join the chassis 3102 and the putter-typebody 3104.

In many embodiments, the anchor apertures 3140 of the two interlockingfeature 3120 can be any one of the following shapes: circular,elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, anypolygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape. In someembodiments, the at least one anchor interlocking features 3120 cancomprise more than one anchor apertures 3140. In these embodiments, themore than one anchor apertures 3140 of the at least one interlockingfeatures 3120 can be any one or combination of the following shapes:circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal,any polygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape. In thisembodiments, referring to FIG. 28 , the anchor apertures 3140 areapproximately rectangular in shape.

Further, the third interlocking feature 3120 is in the form of aninterlocking beam. In most embodiments (and this embodiment), the beaminterlocking feature 3120 can extend from the chassis 3102 rear 3128 tothe chassis 3102 front 3130. In some embodiment, the beam interlockingfeature 3120, can extend, partially or entirely, from the rear 3128 tothe toe portion 3126, from the toe portion 3126 to the heel portion3124, from the front 3130 to the toe portion 3126, from the front 3130to the heel portion 3126, or any other desired direction.

Furthermore, the beam interlocking feature 3120 comprises a series ofthrough holes 3141, wherein the through holes 3141 extend through thebeam interlocking feature 3120, in a direction from the toe portion 3126to the heel portion 3124. In other embodiments, the through holes 3141can extend though the beam interlocking feature in any one orcombination of the following directions: from the rear 3128 to the toeportion 3126, from the toe portion 3126 to the heel portion 3124, fromthe front 3130 to the toe portion 3126, from the front 3130 to the heelportion 3126, or any other desired direction.

The series of through holes 3141 can comprise at least 2 through holes3141, at least 3 through holes 3141, at least 4 through holes 3141, atleast 5 through holes 3141, at least 6 through holes 3141, or at least 7through holes 3141. Referring to FIG. 28 , this embodiment, comprises atleast 7 through holes 3141. Similar to the anchor apertures 3140, thethrough holes 3141 allow the lightweight, low density material of theputter-type body 3104, to entirely fill the through holes 3141 andencapsulate the beam interlocking feature 3120, to integrally join thechassis 3102 and the putter-type body 3104.

As aforementioned, the putter-type body 3104 comprises a low densitysecond material. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 3104comprises a thermoplastic composite material that comprises athermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In otherembodiments, the putter-type body 3104 can comprise any other lowdensity second material, wherein the other low density materials are notrepeated herein for brevity. In this embodiment, the putter-type body3104 comprises the second material with a density less than 4.0 g/cc.The chassis 3102 and the putter-type body 3104 are permanently joinedwithout the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplasticpolymer matrix miller and filler of the putter-type body 3104, combinedwith the flow region 3138 and at least one interlocking feature 3120 ofthe chassis 3102, creates an integral putter 3100, without the use ofwelding, epoxies, or adhesives.

The putter-type body 3104 is integrally formed within and around thechassis 3102. As previously described the light-weight material of theputter-type body 3104 extends through and completely fill the chassis3102 flow aperture 3122, interlocks the body 3104 and the chassis 3102,and forms the putter-type golf club head 3100. Further, in someembodiments, the putter-type body 3104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% ofthe chassis 3102. In this embodiment, the putter-type body 3104 encasesat least 30% of the chassis 3102.

The putter-type body 3104, when combined with the chassis 3102, formsthe golf club head 3100 toe end 3106, heel end 3108, rear portion 3112,and striking surface 3110. The putter-type body 3104 forms a portion ofthe crown 3115 and a portion of the sole 3117. In reference to FIGS. 26and 27 , when the putter-type body 3104 and chassis 3102 are joined, thechassis 3102 and putter-type body 3104 combine to form the putter 3100crown 3115. Similarly, when the putter-type body 3104 and chassis 3102are joined, the chassis 3102 and putter-type body 3104 combine to formthe putter 3100 sole 3117.

The putter-type body 3104 can form 100% of the crown 3115, such that thechassis 3102 cannot be seen from an address position. In this embodimenthowever, the putter-type body 3104 forms at least 80% of the crown 3115.Similar to the crown 3115, the putter-type body 3104 can form 100% ofthe sole 3117, such that the chassis 3102 does not contact the groundplane, at an address position. In this embodiment however, theputter-type body 3104 forms at least 30% of the sole 3117, wherein aportion of the putter-type body 3104 and a portion of the chassis 3102contacts the ground, at an address position.

Further, the putter-type body 3104 forms at least a portion of the golfclub head 3100 alignment feature 3114. In some embodiments, theputter-type body 3104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 3114.The alignment feature 3114 can be any one or combination of thefollowing: a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, atriangle, a channel, a trough, a series of troughs, a channel, or anyother desired shape for an alignment feature 3114. In most embodiments,the alignment feature 3114 is positioned on the crown 3115. Further, inmost embodiments, the alignment feature 3114 is positioned equidistancefrom the heel end 2108 and the toe end 3106, perpendicular to thestriking surface 3110, such that a golfer can utilize the alignmentfeature 3114 to accurately line up the putter 3100, to strike a golfball at an address position.

In this embodiment, the alignment feature 3114 comprises a single line3150 positioned on the crown. The single line 3150 is formed by the beaminterlocking feature 3120. The toe end 3106, the heel end 3108, strikingsurface 3110, rear portion 3112, partially encase the beam interlockingfeature 3150, to leave a single surface visible by the user, when theputter is at an address position. The chassis 3102 in this embodiment,is made of a polished stainless steel (silver in color), while the body3104 is made of a dark thermoplastic composite (black in color). Thechassis 3102 is reflective in appearance and has a distinct colorcontrast to the body 3104, allowing a golfer to easily align and centerthe putter 3100 with a golf ball. The distinctly colored line 3152 helpsa golfer match the striking surface 3110 to the ball, leading toimprovement in the alignment of the putter 3100.

Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 3102 comprises less than 60% ofa total volume of the putter 3100, yet the chassis 3102 comprises atleast 60% of an overall mass of the putter 3100. By creating aputter-type golf club head 3100 from a high-density chassis 3102 that issurrounded by a low-density putter-type body 3104, the weighting of theclub head 3100 shifts towards the peripheries of the putter-type golfclub head 3100, without any weight ports or attachments to the heel end3108 and toe end 3106 of the putter-type golf club head 3100. This shiftin weight, towards the peripheries of the putter-type golf club head3100, raises the MOI of the club head 3100 about the y-axis (Iyy),therefore preventing the rotation of the club head 3100 at impact, aboutthe y-axis, and assuring the striking surface 3110 is square to a golfball during impact. The increase in MOI about the y-axis helps achieve astraighter ball path and improve the outcome of off-centered hits(impact at the heel end or toe end).

The exemplary club head 3100 was compared to a control club head(hereafter the “control”), wherein the control was a golf club head ofidentical shape and volume as the exemplary club head 3100. However, thecontrol club head was made entirely from stainless steel and aluminum,whereas the exemplary club head 3100 was made from the first,high-density material (stainless steel), and the second, low-densitymaterial (TPC).

The exemplary club head 3100 comprises a mass of 331.9 grams, with amoment of inertia about the y axis of 3,923.22 g/cm². In comparison, thecontrol club comprises a mass of 360.3 grams, with a moment of inertiaabout the y axis of 3,806.44 g/cm². The exemplary club head 3100 isnearly 30 grams lighter and comprises a 3.07% increase in moment ofinertia. Thus, the exemplary club head 3100 is substantially lighter andyet comprises more forgiveness (higher MOI about the y-axis means theclub head 3100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, thus moreconsistently straight hits) than the control club.

High-Arching Blade-Style Putter Head Embodiment

In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 can be ahigh-arching (wherein more mass is near the toe than the heel)blade-style putter head 4100. Referring to FIGS. 29-32 , the blade-styleputter head 4100 comprises a chassis 4102 and a putter-type body 4104.The chassis 4102 is made from a first material having a first densityand the putter-type body 4104 is made from a second material having asecond density. The first density is greater than the second density.The chassis 4102 and the putter-type body 4104 combine to create ahigh-MOI putter head 4100 (5,000 g·cm²-6,500 g·cm²), while maintaining adesirable volume and mass.

As discussed above, the chassis 4102 is comprise of a high-densitymaterial (i.e., the first material). In this embodiment, the chassis4102 comprises the first material with a density greater than 7.0 g/cc.The chassis 4102 comprises a heel portion 4124. The chassis 4102comprises a toe portion 4126, opposite the heel portion 4124. Thechassis 4102 comprises a rear 4128. The rear 4128 is adjacent the heelportion 4124 and the toe portion 4126. The chassis 4102 comprises acentral strut 4132. The central strut 4132 spans from the heel portion4124 to the toe portion 4126, opposite the rear 4128. The chassis 4102comprises a front 4130. The front 4130 is formed by the toe portion4126, the heel portion 4124, and the central strut 4132. The front 4130is opposite the rear 4128, adjacent the heel portion 4124, and adjacentthe toe portion 4126.

Further, the chassis 4102 comprises an upper surface 4134. The uppersurface 4134 is adjacent the rear 4128, the front 4130, the toe portion4126, and the heel portion 4124. The chassis 4102 comprises a lowersurface 4136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 4134, andis adjacent the rear 4128, the front 4130, the toe portion 4126, and theheel portion 4124.

The chassis 4102 can be dumbbell shaped, “I-shaped,” asymmetricalshaped, or any other desirable shape. In most embodiments, the dumbbellshaped chassis 4102 can be used for the blade style putter, wherein massneeds to only be moved toward the heel end 4108 and the toe end 4106, inorder to increase the MOI.

The heel portion 4124, toe portion 4126, rear 4128, and central strut4132 form a flow aperture 4122. When the putter-type body 4104 is moldedto the chassis 4102, the flow aperture 4122 allows the lightweight, lowdensity material of the putter-type body 4104 to encapsulate at least aportion of the chassis 4102 such that the body 4104 extends through andcompletely fills the flow aperture 4122. The flow aperture 4122 allowsthe putter body 4104 to integrally interlock the body 4104 and thechassis 4102, to form the club head 4100. Furthermore, the flow aperture4122 allows the lightweight, low density material of the putter-typebody 4104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking surface4110 of the golf club head 4100. In some cases when the putter-type body4104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller, this allows the fibers to settle in a direction perpendicular tothe striking surface 4110, increasing the strength and durability of theclub head 4100. Further still, the flow aperture 4122 allows athermoplastic composite material with a fibrous filler to closelysurround the chassis 4102, with minimal porosity, thereby forming asolid and durable club head 4100.

The chassis 4102 comprises at least one interlocking feature 4120protruding or extending from any one or combination of the followingchassis 4102 features: the heel portion 4124, the toe portion 4126, therear 4128, the front 4130, the upper surface 4134, and the lower surface4136. The at least one interlocking features 4120 function to furtherinterlock and integrally join the chassis 4102 and the putter-type body4104, by allowing a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller (or other high strength lightweight material) to encase theentirety of the at least one interlocking feature 4120.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32 , the chassis 4102 can comprise threeinterlocking features 4120. In some embodiments, the chassis 4102 cancomprise two or more interlocking features 4120, three or moreinterlocking features 4120, four or more interlocking features, or more.In this embodiment, wherein the three interlocking features 4120 are inthe form of an interlocking hitch. In this embodiment, the hitchinterlocking features 4120 protrude from the toe portion 4126 and theheel portion 4128. In this embodiment, one hitch interlocking feature4120 extends away from the toe portion 4126, in a direction away fromthe lower surface 4136 of the chassis 4102. The second hitchinterlocking feature 4120 extends away from the toe portion 4126, in adirection towards the heel portion 4128. The third hitch interlockingfeature 4120 extends away from the heel portion 4128, in a directiontowards the toe portion 4126. The hitch interlocking features 4120,similar to the flow aperture 4122, allows the lightweight, low densitymaterial of the putter-type body 4104, to encapsulate the interlockingfeatures 4120, to integrally join the chassis 4102 and the putter-typebody 4104.

As aforementioned, the putter-type body 4104 comprises a low densitysecond material. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 4104comprises a thermoplastic composite material that comprises athermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In otherembodiments, the putter-type body 4104 can comprise any other lowdensity second material, wherein the other low density materials are notrepeated herein for brevity. In this embodiment, the putter-type body4104 comprises the second material with a density less than 4.0 g/cc.The chassis 4102 and the putter-type body 4104 are permanently joinedwithout the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplasticpolymer matrix miller and filler of the putter-type body 4104, combinedwith the flow aperture 4122 and at least one interlocking feature 4120of the chassis 4102, creates an integral putter 4100, without the use ofwelding, epoxies, or adhesives.

The putter-type body 4104 is integrally formed within and around thechassis 4102. As previously described the light-weight material of theputter-type body 4104 extends through and completely fill the chassis4102 flow aperture 4122, interlocks the body 4104 and the chassis 4102,and forms the putter-type golf club head 4100. Further, in someembodiments, the putter-type body 4104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% ofthe chassis 4102. In this embodiment, the putter-type body 4104 encasesat least 30% of the chassis 4102.

The putter-type body 4104, when combined with the chassis 4102, formsthe golf club head 4100 toe end 4106, heel end 4108, rear portion 4112,and striking surface 4110. The putter-type body 4104 forms a portion ofthe crown 4115 and a portion of the sole 4117. In reference to FIGS. 28and 29 , when the putter-type body 4104 and chassis 4102 are joined, thechassis 4102 and putter-type body 4104 combine to form the putter 4100crown 4115. Similarly, when the putter-type body 4104 and chassis 4102are joined, the chassis 4102 and putter-type body 4104 combine to formthe putter 4100 sole 4117.

The putter-type body 4104 can form 100% of the crown 4115, such that thechassis 4102 cannot be seen from an address position. In this embodimenthowever, the putter-type body 4104 forms at least 40% of the crown 4115.Similar to the crown 4115, the putter-type body 4104 can form 100% ofthe sole 4117, such that the chassis 4102 does not contact the groundplane, at an address position. In this embodiment however, theputter-type body 4104 forms at least 30% of the sole 4117, wherein aportion of the putter-type body 4104 and a portion of the chassis 4102contacts the ground, at an address position.

Further, the putter-type body 4104 forms at least a portion of the golfclub head 4100 alignment feature 4114. In some embodiments, theputter-type body 4104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 4114.The alignment feature 4114 can be any one or combination of thefollowing: a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, atriangle, a channel, a trough, a series of troughs, a channel, or anyother desired shape for an alignment feature 4114. In most embodiments,the alignment feature 4114 is positioned on the crown 4115. Further, inmost embodiments, the alignment feature 4114 is positioned equidistancefrom the heel end 4108 and the toe end 4106, perpendicular to thestriking surface 4110, such that a golfer can utilize the alignmentfeature 4114 to accurately line up the putter 4100, to strike a golfball at an address position.

In this embodiment, the putter head 4100 is comprises a trough alignmentfeature 4114. The alignment feature 4114 is formed by the chassis 4102toe portion 4126 and heel portion 4124. The toe portion 4126 slopesdownward at an angle from the crown 4115 towards the sole 4117, as wellas towards the heel portion 4128. Similarly, the heel portion 4124slopes downward at an angle from the crown 4115 towards the sole 4117,as well as towards the toe portion 4126. These sloping portions 4126,4124 form the trough alignment feature 4114.

The chassis 4102 in this embodiment, is made of a polished stainlesssteel (silver in color), while the body 4104 is made of a darkthermoplastic composite (black in color). The chassis 4102 is reflectivein appearance and has a distinct color contrast to the body 4104,allowing a golfer to easily align and center the putter 4100 with a golfball, by placing the golf ball between the bright heel portion 4124 andbright toe portion 4126. The distinctly colored alignment feature 4114helps a golfer match the striking surface 4110 to the ball, leading toimprovement in the alignment of the putter 4100.

Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 4102 comprises less than 70% ofa total volume of the putter 4100, yet the chassis 4102 comprises atleast 70% of an overall mass of the putter 4100. By creating aputter-type golf club head 4100 from a high-density chassis 4102 that issurrounded by a low-density putter-type body 4104, the weighting of theclub head 4100 shifts towards the peripheries of the putter-type golfclub head 4100, without any weight ports or attachments to the heel end4108 and toe end 4106 of the putter-type golf club head 4100. This shiftin weight, towards the peripheries of the putter-type golf club head4100, raises the MOI of the club head 4100 about the y-axis (Iyy),therefore preventing the rotation of the club head 4100 at impact, aboutthe y-axis, and assuring the striking surface 4110 is square to a golfball during impact. The increase in MOI about the y-axis helps achieve astraighter ball path and improve the outcome of off-centered hits(impact at the heel end or toe end).

The exemplary club head 4100 was compared to a control club head(hereafter the “control”), wherein the control was a golf club head ofidentical shape and volume as the exemplary club head 4100. However, thecontrol club head was made entirely from stainless steel, whereas theexemplary club head 4100 was made from the first, high-density material(tungsten or stainless steel), and the second, low-density material(TPC).

The exemplary club head 4100 comprises a mass of 346.90 grams, with amoment of inertia about the y axis of 5,741.92 g/cm². In comparison, thecontrol club comprises a mass of 347.10 grams, with a moment of inertiaabout the y axis of 4,729.67 g/cm². The exemplary club head 4100 isnearly identical in weight to the control club and comprises a 21.40%increase in moment of inertia. Thus, the exemplary club head 4100comprises more forgiveness (higher MOI about the y-axis means the clubhead 4100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, thus moreconsistently straight hits) than the control club.

Non-Arching Blade-Style Putter Head Embodiment

In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 can be aslight-arcing or non-arcing (wherein mass is evenly distributed betweenthe heel end and toe end) blade-style putter head 5100. Referring toFIGS. 33-36 , the blade-style putter head 5100 comprises a chassis 5102and a putter-type body 5104. The chassis 5102 is made from a firstmaterial having a first density and the putter-type body 5104 is madefrom a second material having a second density. The first density isgreater than the second density. The chassis 5102 and the putter-typebody 5104 combine to create a high-MOI putter head 5100 (5,000g·cm²-6,500 g·cm²), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.

As discussed above, the chassis 5102 is comprise of a high-densitymaterial (i.e., the first material). The chassis 5102 comprises a heelportion 5124. The chassis 5102 comprises a toe portion 5126, oppositethe heel portion 5124. The chassis 5102 comprises a rear 5128. The rear5128 is adjacent the heel portion 5124 and the toe portion 5126. Thechassis 5102 comprises a central strut 5132. The central strut 5132spans from the heel portion 5124 to the toe portion 5126, opposite therear 5128. The chassis 5102 comprises a front 5130. The front 5130 isformed by the toe portion 5126, the heel portion 5124, and the centralstrut 5132. The front 5130 is opposite the rear 5128, adjacent the heelportion 5124, and adjacent the toe portion 5126.

Further, the chassis 5102 comprises an upper surface 5134. The uppersurface 5134 is adjacent the rear 5128, the front 5130, the toe portion5126, and the heel portion 5124. The chassis 5102 comprises a lowersurface 5136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 5134, andis adjacent the rear 5128, the front 5130, the toe portion 5126, and theheel portion 5124.

The chassis 5102 can be dumbbell shaped, “I-shaped,” asymmetricalshaped, or any other desirable shape. In most embodiments, the dumbbellshaped chassis 5102 can be used for the blade style putter, wherein massneeds to only be moved toward the heel end 5108 and the toe end 5106, inorder to increase the MOI.

The heel portion 5124, toe portion 5126, rear 5128, and central strut5132 form a flow aperture 5122. When the putter-type body 5104 is moldedto the chassis 5102, the flow aperture 5122 allows the lightweight, lowdensity material of the putter-type body 5104 to encapsulate at least aportion of the chassis 5102 such that the body 5104 extends through andcompletely fills the flow aperture 5122. The flow aperture 5122 allowsthe putter body 5104 to integrally interlock the body 5104 and thechassis 5102, to form the club head 5100. Furthermore, the flow aperture5122 allows the lightweight, low density material of the putter-typebody 5104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking surface5110 of the golf club head 5100. In some cases when the putter-type body5104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller, this allows the fibers to settle in a direction perpendicular tothe striking surface 5110, increasing the strength and durability of theclub head 5100. Further still, the flow aperture 5122 allows athermoplastic composite material with a fibrous filler to closelysurround the chassis 5102, with minimal porosity, thereby forming asolid and durable club head 5100.

The chassis 5102 comprises at least one interlocking feature 5120protruding or extending from any one or combination of the followingchassis 5102 features: the heel portion 5124, the toe portion 5126, therear 5128, the front 5130, the upper surface 5134, and the lower surface5136. The at least one interlocking features 5120 function to furtherinterlock and integrally join the chassis 5102 and the putter-type body5104, by allowing a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller (or other high strength lightweight material) to encase theentirety of the at least one interlocking feature 5120.

Referring to FIGS. 34-36 , the chassis 5102 can comprise twointerlocking features 5120. In some embodiments, the chassis 5102 cancomprise two or more interlocking features 5120, three or moreinterlocking features 5120, four or more interlocking features, or more.In this embodiment, wherein the two interlocking features 5120 are inthe form of an interlocking a series of through holes. In thisembodiment, the two interlocking features 5120 are in the form of aseries of through holes that pass through the toe portion 5126 and theheel portion 5128. In this embodiment, one of the through holeinterlocking features 5120 extends through the toe portion 5126 in adirection from the heel portion 5128, to the front 5130, forming inapproximately 90 degree angle, through hole. In this embodiment, one ofthe through hole interlocking features 5120 extends through the heelportion 5128 in a direction from the toe portion 5126, to the front5130, forming in approximately 90 degree angle through hole. In otherembodiments, the through holes 5141 can extend though the interlockingfeature in any one or combination of the following directions: from therear 5128 to the toe portion 5126, from the toe portion 5126 to the heelportion 5124, from the front 5130 to the toe portion 5126, from thefront 5130 to the heel portion 5126, or any other desired direction. Theinterlocking features 5120, similar to the flow aperture 5122, allowsthe lightweight, low density material of the putter-type body 5104, toencapsulate the interlocking features 5120, to integrally join thechassis 5102 and the putter-type body 5104.

As aforementioned, the putter-type body 5104 comprises a low densitysecond material. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 5104comprises a thermoplastic composite material that comprises athermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In otherembodiments, the putter-type body 5104 can comprise any other lowdensity second material, wherein the other low density materials are notrepeated herein for brevity. In this embodiment, the putter-type body5104 comprises the second material with a density less than 4.0 g/cc.The chassis 5102 and the putter-type body 5104 are permanently joinedwithout the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplasticpolymer matrix miller and filler of the putter-type body 5104, combinedwith the flow aperture 5122 and at least one interlocking feature 5120of the chassis 5102, creates an integral putter 5100, without the use ofwelding, epoxies, or adhesives.

The putter-type body 5104 is integrally formed within and around thechassis 5102. As previously described the light-weight material of theputter-type body 5104 extends through and completely fill the chassis5102 flow aperture 5122, interlocks the body 5104 and the chassis 5102,and forms the putter-type golf club head 5100. Further, in someembodiments, the putter-type body 5104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% ofthe chassis 5102. In this embodiment, the putter-type body 5104 encasesat least 30% of the chassis 5102.

The putter-type body 5104, when combined with the chassis 5102, formsthe golf club head 5100 toe end 5106, heel end 5108, rear portion 5112,and striking surface 5110. The putter-type body 5104 forms a portion ofthe crown 5115 and a portion of the sole 5117. In reference to FIGS. 33and 34 , when the putter-type body 5104 and chassis 5102 are joined, thechassis 5102 and putter-type body 5104 combine to form the putter 5100crown 5115. Similarly, when the putter-type body 5104 and chassis 5102are joined, the chassis 5102 and putter-type body 5104 combine to formthe putter 5100 sole 5117.

The putter-type body 5104 can form 100% of the crown 5115, such that thechassis 5102 cannot be seen from an address position. In this embodimenthowever, the putter-type body 5104 forms at least 40% of the crown 5115.Similar to the crown 5115, the putter-type body 5104 can form 100% ofthe sole 5117, such that the chassis 5102 does not contact the groundplane, at an address position. In this embodiment however, theputter-type body 5104 forms at least 30% of the sole 5117, wherein aportion of the putter-type body 5104 and a portion of the chassis 5102contacts the ground, at an address position.

Further, the putter-type body 5104 forms at least a portion of the golfclub head 5100 alignment feature 5114. In some embodiments, theputter-type body 5104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 5114.The alignment feature 5114 can be any one or combination of thefollowing: a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, atriangle, a channel, a trough, a series of troughs, a channel, or anyother desired shape for an alignment feature 5114. In most embodiments,the alignment feature 5114 is positioned on the crown 5115. Further, inmost embodiments, the alignment feature 5114 is positioned equidistancefrom the heel end 4108 and the toe end 5106, perpendicular to thestriking surface 5110, such that a golfer can utilize the alignmentfeature 5114 to accurately line up the putter 5100, to strike a golfball at an address position.

In this embodiment, the putter head 5100 is comprises a line alignmentfeature 5114. The alignment feature 5114 is in between the chassis 5102toe portion 5126 and heel portion 5128. The single line alignmentfeature 5114 is formed by the body 5104 filling the flow aperture 5122.The flow aperture 5122 provides a central line on the crown 5115, whileallowing the chassis 5102 and body 5104 to integrally and permanentlyjoin. The chassis 5102 in this embodiment, is made of a polishedstainless steel (silver in color), while the body 5104 is made of a darkthermoplastic composite (black in color). The chassis 5102 is reflectivein appearance and has a distinct color contrast to the body 5104,allowing a golfer to easily align and center the putter 5100 with a golfball. The distinctly colored line 5152 helps a golfer match the strikingsurface 5110 to the ball, leading to improvement in the alignment of theputter 5100.

The chassis 5102 in this embodiment, is made of a polished stainlesssteel (silver in color), while the body 5104 is made of a darkthermoplastic composite (black in color). The chassis 5102 is reflectivein appearance and has a distinct color contrast to the body 5104,allowing a golfer to easily align and center the putter 5100 with a golfball, by placing the golf ball between the bright heel portion 5128 andbright toe portion 5126. The distinctly colored alignment feature 5114helps a golfer match the striking surface 5110 to the ball, leading toimprovement in the alignment of the putter 5100.

Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 5102 comprises less than 70% ofa total volume of the putter 5100, yet the chassis 5102 comprises atleast 70% of an overall mass of the putter 5100. By creating aputter-type golf club head 5100 from a high-density chassis 5102 that issurrounded by a low-density putter-type body 5104, the weighting of theclub head 5100 shifts towards the peripheries of the putter-type golfclub head 5100, without any weight ports or attachments to the heel end5108 and toe end 5106 of the putter-type golf club head 4100. This shiftin weight, towards the peripheries of the putter-type golf club head5100, raises the MOI of the club head 5100 about the y-axis (Iyy),therefore preventing the rotation of the club head 5100 at impact, aboutthe y-axis, and assuring the striking surface 5110 is square to a golfball during impact. The increase in MOI about the y-axis helps achieve astraighter ball path and improve the outcome of off-centered hits(impact at the heel end or toe end).

The exemplary club head 5100 was compared to a control club head(hereafter the “control”), wherein the control was a golf club head ofidentical shape and volume as the exemplary club head 5100. However, thecontrol club head was made entirely from stainless steel, whereas theexemplary club head 5100 was made from the first, high-density material(stainless steel or tungsten), and the second, low-density material(TPC).

The exemplary club head 5100 comprises a mass of 348.4 grams, with amoment of inertia about the y axis of 5,329.02 g/cm². In comparison, thecontrol club comprises a mass of 348.4 grams, with a moment of inertiaabout the y axis of 4,692.25 g/cm². The exemplary club head 5100 isidentical in weight to the control club and comprises a 13.57% increasein moment of inertia. Thus, the exemplary club head 5100 comprises moreforgiveness (higher MOI about the y-axis means the club head 5100 isless likely to rotate on off-center impacts, thus more consistentlystraight hits) than the control club.

Large Mallet Putter Head Embodiment

In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 can be a largemallet putter head 6100. Referring to FIGS. 37-41 , the putter head 6100comprises a chassis 6102 and a putter-type body 6104. The chassis 6102is made from a first material having a first density and the putter-typebody 6104 is made from a second material having a second density. Thechassis 6102 comprises one or more weights 6142, wherein the one or moreweights 6142, are affixed to the chassis, and made of a third materialhaving a third density. The first density is greater than the seconddensity. The third density is greater than the first density. Thechassis 6102 and the putter-type body 6104 combine to create a heavyweight (365 grams-380 grams), extremely high MOI putter head 2100 (5,500g·cm²-7,000 g·cm²), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.

As discussed above, the chassis 6102 is comprise of a high-densitymaterial (i.e., the first material). The chassis 6102 comprises a heelportion 6124. The chassis 6102 comprises a toe portion 6126, oppositethe heel portion 6124. The chassis 6102 comprises a rear 6128. The rear6128 is adjacent the heel portion 6124 and the toe portion 6126. Thechassis 6102 comprises a central strut 6132. The central strut 6132spans from the heel portion 6124 to the toe portion 6126, opposite therear 6128. The chassis 6102 comprises a front 6130. The front 6130 isformed by the toe portion 6126, the heel portion 6124, and the centralstrut 6132. The front 6130 is opposite the rear 6128, adjacent the heelportion 6124, and adjacent the toe portion 6126.

Further, the chassis 6102 comprises an upper surface 6134. The uppersurface 6134 is adjacent the rear 6128, the front 6130, the toe portion6126, and the heel portion 6124. The chassis 6102 comprises a lowersurface 6136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 6134, andis adjacent the rear 6128, the front 6130, the toe portion 6126, and theheel portion 6124.

In many embodiments, the chassis 6102 can be polygonal, hourglassshaped, symmetrical, or any other desirable chassis 6102 shape. In mostembodiments, the chassis 6102 shape fosters the desirable shift of masstowards the peripheries (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 6102 andthe peripheries of the putter-type golf club head 6100. In thisembodiment, the chassis 6102 is hourglass shaped.

The chassis 6102 further comprises one or more weights 6142. The one ormore weights 6142 comprise the third density greater than the density ofthe chassis 6102 (and thus the body 6104), in order to further alter themass properties of the putter (i.e., CG, MOI, balance). In thisembodiment, the one or more weights 6142 comprises the third density ofat least 12 g/cc. The one or more weights 6142 function to customize thecenter of gravity of the putter, while maintaining and/or increasing theMOI of the putter head 6100. The one or more weights 6142 can beattached to the chassis 6102, prior to the molding of the putter-typebody 6104, through any of the following attachment methods: welding,soldering, brazing, swedging, adhesion, epoxy, mechanical fastening,adhesion with epoxy, polyurethanes, resins, hot melts, or any otherattachment method.

The chassis 6102, in some embodiments, can comprise one or more weights6142. In many embodiments, the chassis 6102 can comprise one weight6142, two weights 6142, three weights 6142, four weights 6142, fiveweights 6142, six weights 6142, or more. In some embodiments, thechassis 6102 can comprise two or more weights 6142, three or moreweights 6142, or four or more weights 6142. In this embodiment, thechassis 6102 comprises exactly 4 weights 6142.

In many embodiments, the one or more weights 6142 can comprise any oneor combination of the following shapes: circular, elliptical,triangular, rectangular, cylindrical, rectangular prismed, trapezoidal,octagonal, or any other polygonal shape or shape with at least onecurved surface. In this embodiment, the four weights 6142 arecylindrical in shape.

Further, each of the four weights 6142, are positioned at a junction ofthe four peripheries (toe portion 6126, heel portion 6124, rear portion6128, and front 6130) of the chassis 6102. In this embodiment, oneweight 6142 is positioned at the junction of the toe portion 6126 andthe front 6130, one weight 6142 is positioned at the junction of the toeportion 6126 and the rear portion 6128, one weight 6142 is positioned atthe junction of the heel portion 6124 and the front 6130, and one weight6142 is positioned at the junction of the heel portion 6124 and the rearportion 6128.

Furthermore, in most embodiments, the light-weight material of theputter-type body 6104 encases at least one a portion of the one or moreweights 6142. In some embodiments, the light-weight material of theputter-type body can surround at least 10% of the one or more weights6142, at least 20% of the one or more weights 6142, at least 30% of theone or more weights 6142, at least 40% of the one or more weights 6142,at least 50% of the one or more weights 6142, at least 60% of the one ormore weights 6142, at least 70% of the one or more weights 6142, atleast 80% of the one or more weights 6142, at least 90% of the one ormore weights 6142, or 100% of the one or more weights 6142. In thisembodiment, the light-weight material of the putter-type body 6104,surrounds at least 80% of the four weights 6142.

The heel portion 6124, toe portion 6126, rear 6128, and central strut6132 form a flow aperture 6122. When the putter-type body 6104 is moldedto the chassis 6102, the flow aperture 6122 allows the lightweight, lowdensity material of the putter-type body 6104 to encapsulate at least aportion of the chassis 6102 such that the body 6104 extends through andcompletely fills the flow aperture 6122. The flow aperture 6122 allowsthe putter body 6104 to integrally interlock the body 6104 and thechassis 6102, to form the club head 6100. Furthermore, the flow aperture6122 allows the lightweight, low density material of the putter-typebody 6104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking surface6110 of the golf club head 6100. In some cases when the putter-type body6104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller, this allows the fibers to settle in a direction perpendicular tothe striking surface 6110, increasing the strength and durability of theclub head 6100. Further still, the flow aperture 6122 allows athermoplastic composite material with a fibrous filler to closelysurround the chassis 6102, with minimal porosity, thereby forming asolid and durable club head 6100.

The chassis 6102 comprises at least one interlocking feature 6120protruding or extending from any one or combination of the followingchassis 6102 features: the heel portion 6124, the toe portion 6126, therear 6128, the front 6130, the upper surface 6134, and the lower surface6136. The at least one interlocking features 6120 function to furtherinterlock and integrally join the chassis 6102 and the putter-type body6104, by allowing a thermoplastic composite material with a fibrousfiller (or other high strength lightweight material) to encase theentirety of the at least one interlocking feature 6120.

Referring to FIGS. 38-40 , the chassis 6102 can comprise threeinterlocking features 6120. In some embodiments, the chassis 6102 cancomprise two or more interlocking features 6120, three or moreinterlocking features 6120, four or more interlocking features, or more.In this embodiment, wherein two interlocking features 6120, of thethree, are in the form of a hitch, while one interlocking feature 6120is in the form of a hitch. In this embodiment, the two hitchinterlocking features 6120, extend away from the upper surface 6134, ina direction away from the lower surface 6136. Further, in thisembodiment, one of the hitch interlocking features 6120 is positioned onthe toe portion 6126, while the other hitch interlocking feature 6120 ispositioned on the heel portion 6124. The interlocking features 6120,similar to the flow aperture 6122, allows the lightweight, low densitymaterial of the putter-type body 6104, to encapsulate the interlockingfeatures 6120, to integrally join the chassis 6102 and the putter-typebody 6104.

Further still, the anchor interlocking feature 6120, extends away fromthe rear portion 6128, towards the front 6130, and is positioned withina portion of the flow aperture 6122. In this embodiment, wherein one ofthe three interlocking features 6120 is in the form of an anchor, ananchor aperture 6140 is formed between the rear 6128 and the anchorinterlocking feature 6120. In this embodiment, the chassis 6102comprises one anchor aperture 6140, one corresponding to theinterlocking feature 6120 in the form of an anchor. The anchor apertures6140 and interlocking feature 6120, similar to the flow aperture 6122,allows the lightweight, low density material of the putter-type body6104, to entirely fill the anchor apertures 6140 and encapsulate theinterlocking features 6120, to integrally join the chassis 6102 and theputter-type body 6104.

In many embodiments, the anchor apertures 6140 of the anchorinterlocking feature 6120 can be any one of the following shapes:semi-circular, circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular,trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal shape, or any other desiredgeometric shape. In some embodiments, the at least one anchorinterlocking features 6120 can comprise more than one anchor apertures6140. In these embodiments, the more than one anchor apertures 6140 ofthe at least one interlocking features 6120 can be any one orcombination of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, triangular,rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal shape, or any otherdesired geometric shape. In this embodiments, referring to FIGS. 39 and40 , the anchor aperture 6140 is semi-circular in shape.

Further, the putter-type golf club head 6100 can comprise a strike faceinsert 6116, positioned on or within the striking surface 6110. In theseembodiments, the strike face insert 6116 is independently formed priorto being coupled to the club head 6100. The side of the strike faceinsert 6116 that will contact the club head 6100 can comprise a geometrycomplementary to the geometry of the corresponding portion (i.e., acavity in the striking surface of the putter-type golf club head) of theclub head 6100 that will contact the striking surface 6110. In thisembodiment, the putter head 6100, can comprises the chassis 6102, of thefirst material, the putter-type body 6104, of the second material, andthe strike face insert 6116, comprising the third material.

The strike face insert 6116 can be secured to the club head 6100 by afastening means. In this embodiment, the strike face insert 6116 issecured to the putter-type body 6104. In this embodiments, in referenceto FIG. 41 , the putter-type body 6104 can comprise an insert cavity6118, wherein the cavity 6118 functions to receive the strike faceinsert 6116. The strike face insert 6116 can be secured by an adhesivesuch as glue, very high bond (VHB™) tape, epoxy or another adhesive.Alternately or additionally, the strike face insert 6116 can be securedby welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlockstructure, or another fastening method.

As aforementioned, the putter-type body 6104 comprises a low densitysecond material. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 6104comprises a thermoplastic composite material that comprises athermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In otherembodiments, the putter-type body 6104 can comprise any other lowdensity second material, wherein the other low density materials are notrepeated herein for brevity. In this embodiment, the putter-type body6104 comprises the second material with a density less than 4.0 g/cc.The chassis 6102 and the putter-type body 6104 are permanently joinedwithout the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplasticpolymer matrix miller and filler of the putter-type body 6104, combinedwith the flow region 6138 and at least one interlocking feature 6120 ofthe chassis 6102, creates an integral putter 6100, without the use ofwelding, epoxies, or adhesives.

The putter-type body 6104 is integrally formed within and around thechassis 6102. As previously described the light-weight material of theputter-type body 6104 extends through and completely fill the chassis6102 flow aperture 6122, interlocks the body 6104 and the chassis 6102,and forms the putter-type golf club head 6100. Further, in someembodiments, the putter-type body 6104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% ofthe chassis 6102. In this embodiment, the putter-type body 6104 encasesat least 80% of the chassis 6102.

The putter-type body 6104, when combined with the chassis 6102, formsthe golf club head 6100 toe end 6106, heel end 6108, rear portion 6112,and striking surface 6110. The putter-type body 6104 forms a portion ofthe crown 6115 and a portion of the sole 6117. In reference to FIGS. _,when the putter-type body 6104 and chassis 6102 are joined, the chassis6102 and putter-type body 6104 combine to form the putter 6100 crown6115. Similarly, when the putter-type body 6104 and chassis 6102 arejoined, the chassis 6102 and putter-type body 6104 combine to form theputter 6100 sole 6117.

The putter-type body 6104 can form 100% of the crown 6115, such that thechassis 6102 cannot be seen from an address position. In thisembodiment, the putter-type body 6104 forms 100% of the crown 6115.Similar to the crown 6115, the putter-type body 6104 can form 100% ofthe sole 6117, such that the chassis 6102 does not contact the groundplane, at an address position. In this embodiment however, theputter-type body 6104 forms at least 80% of the sole 6117, wherein aportion of the putter-type body 6104 and a portion of the chassis 6102contacts the ground, at an address position.

Further, the putter-type body 6104 forms at least a portion of the golfclub head 6100 alignment feature 6114. In some embodiments, theputter-type body 6104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 6114.The alignment feature 6114 can be any one or combination of thefollowing: a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, atriangle, a channel, a trough, a series of troughs, a channel, or anyother desired shape for an alignment feature 6114. In most embodiments,the alignment feature 6114 is positioned on the crown 6115. Further, inmost embodiments, the alignment feature 6114 is positioned equidistancefrom the heel end 6108 and the toe end 6106, perpendicular to thestriking surface 6110, such that a golfer can utilize the alignmentfeature 6114 to accurately line up the putter 6100, to strike a golfball at an address position.

In this embodiment, the alignment feature 6114 comprises three lines6150 positioned on the crown 6115. The three lines 6150 are equallyspaced apart, wherein one line 6150 is nearer the toe 6106, one line isequidistant from the toe 6106, and one line is nearer the heel 6108. Thethree lines 6150 help a golfer match the striking surface 6110 to theball, with two alignment lines 6150 on each end, and one centrallylocated, leading to improvement in the alignment of the putter, incombination with a traditional alignment feature (i.e., only one line,one circle, or one arrow).

Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 6102 comprises less than 45% ofa total volume of the putter 6100, yet the chassis 6102 comprises atleast 60% of an overall mass of the putter 6100. By creating aputter-type golf club head 6100 from a high-density chassis 6102 that issurrounded by a low-density putter-type body 6104, the weighting of theclub head 6100 shifts towards the peripheries of the putter-type golfclub head 6100, without any weight ports or attachments to the heel end6108 and toe end 6106 of the putter-type golf club head 6100. This shiftin weight, towards the peripheries of the putter-type golf club head6100, raises the MOI of the club head 6100 about the y-axis (Iyy),therefore preventing the rotation of the club head 6100 at impact, aboutthe y-axis, and assuring the striking surface 6110 is square to a golfball during impact. The increase in MOI about the y-axis helps achieve astraighter ball path and improve the outcome of off-centered hits(impact at the heel end or toe end).

The exemplary club head 6100 was compared to a control club head(hereafter the “control”), wherein the control was a golf club head ofidentical shape and volume as the exemplary club head 6100. However, thecontrol club head was made entirely from metallic materials (stainlesssteel and aluminum), whereas the exemplary club head 6100 was made fromthe first, high-density material (tungsten weights and stainless steelchassis), and the second, low-density material (TPC).

The exemplary club head 6100 comprises a mass of 380.00 grams, with amoment of inertia about the y axis of 6,496.76 g/cm². In comparison, thecontrol club comprises a mass of 381.00 grams, with a moment of inertiaabout the y axis of 6,399.98 g/cm². The exemplary club head 6100 is onegram lighter and comprises a 1.51% increase in moment of inertia. Thus,the exemplary club head 6100 comprises more forgiveness (higher MOIabout the y-axis means the club head 6100 is less likely to rotate onoff-center impacts, thus more consistently straight hits) than thecontrol club.

As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulationsmay be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golfstandard organizations and/or governing bodies), golf equipment relatedto the methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture describedherein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at anyparticular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the methods,apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may beadvertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming ornon-conforming golf equipment. The methods, apparatus, and/or articlesof manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although a particular order of actions is described above, these actionsmay be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or moreactions described above may be performed sequentially, concurrently, orsimultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions may be performed inreversed order. Further, one or more actions described above may not beperformed at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacturedescribed herein are not limited in this regard.

While the invention has been described in connection with variousaspects, it will be understood that the invention is capable of furthermodifications. This application is intended to cover any variations,uses or adaptation of the invention following, in general, theprinciples of the invention, and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within the known and customary practicewithin the art to which the invention pertains.

1. A putter-type golf club head comprising: a chassis and a body;wherein the chassis comprises a first material comprising a firstdensity of at least 7 g/cm³; wherein the body comprises a secondmaterial comprising a second density of 4 g/cm³ or less; the chassisfurther comprises: a heel portion, a toe portion, a rear, a front, anupper surface, and a lower surface; wherein the heel portion is oppositethe toe portion and adjacent to the rear; wherein the upper surface isopposite the lower surface; wherein the front is adjacent to the toeportion and the heel portion, and opposite the rear; wherein a centralstrut spans from the heel portion to the toe portion opposite to therear; wherein the chassis is dumbbell shaped such that a majority of amass of the chassis is located in the heel portion and the toe portion;wherein the heel portion, the toe portion, the rear, and central strutform a flow aperture; at least one interlocking feature; wherein thebody encases an entirety of the at least one interlocking feature; andwherein the body surrounds the chassis such that the body extendsthrough and completely fills the flow aperture, to integrally lock thebody and chassis, and to form the club head.
 2. The putter-type golfclub head of claim 1, wherein the interlocking feature comprises aninterlocking hitch protruding from one of the heel portion and the toeportion.
 3. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein thechassis comprises a first interlocking feature, a second interlockingfeature, and a third interlocking feature; wherein the firstinterlocking feature extends away from the toe portion in a directionaway from the lower surface of the chassis; wherein the secondinterlocking feature extends away from the toe portion in a directiontowards the heel portion; and wherein the third interlocking featureextends away from the heel portion in a direction towards the toeportion.
 4. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein theinterlocking feature comprises a series of through-holes that passthrough one of the heel portion and the toe portion.
 5. The putter-typegolf club head of claim 4, wherein the series of through-holes extend ina direction selected from the group consisting of: from the rear to thetoe portion, from the toe portion to the heel portion, from the front tothe toe portion, and from the front to the heel portion.
 6. Theputter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first materialcomprises any one of the following materials: 8620 alloy steel, S25Csteel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 303 stainlesssteel, 304 stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, tungsten, manganese.7. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the secondmaterial is a composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymermatrix material and a filler.
 8. The putter-type golf club head of claim7, wherein the thermoplastic polymer matrix material is selected fromthe group consisting of: thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamine 6-6(PA66), and polyamide 6 (PA6).
 9. The putter-type golf club head ofclaim 7, wherein the filler is a fiber, comprising either a carbon orglass.
 10. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein thechassis and the body are permanently joined without the use of welding,epoxies, or adhesives.
 11. A putter-type golf club head comprising: achassis and a body; wherein the chassis comprises a first materialcomprising a first density of at least 7 g/cm³; wherein the bodycomprises a second material comprising a second density of 4 g/cm³ orless; the chassis further comprises: a heel portion, a toe portion, arear, a front, an upper surface, and a lower surface; wherein the heelportion is opposite the toe portion and adjacent to the rear; whereinthe upper surface is opposite the lower surface; wherein the front isadjacent to the toe portion and the heel portion, and opposite the rear;wherein a central strut spans from the heel portion to the toe portionopposite to the rear; wherein the chassis is dumbbell shaped such that amajority of a mass of the chassis is located in the heel portion and thetoe portion; wherein the heel portion, the toe portion, the rear, andcentral strut form a flow aperture; at least one interlocking feature;wherein the body encases an entirety of the at least one interlockingfeature; wherein the body surrounds the chassis such that the bodyextends through and completely fills the flow aperture, to integrallylock the body and chassis, and to form the club head; and wherein thebody encases at least 30% of the chassis.
 12. The putter-type golf clubhead of claim 11, wherein a moment of inertia of the putter-type golfclub head about a y-axis center of gravity is between 5000 g·cm²-6500g·cm².
 13. The putter-type golf club head of claim 11, wherein theinterlocking feature comprises an interlocking hitch protruding from oneof the heel portion and the toe portion.
 14. The putter-type golf clubhead of claim 11, wherein the chassis comprises a first interlockingfeature, a second interlocking feature, and a third interlockingfeature; wherein the first interlocking feature extends away from thetoe portion in a direction away from the lower surface of the chassis;wherein the second interlocking feature extends away from the toeportion in a direction towards the heel portion; and wherein the thirdinterlocking feature extends away from the heel portion in a directiontowards the toe portion.
 15. The putter-type golf club head of claim 11,wherein the club head comprises: a toe end, a heel end, a strikingsurface, a rear portion, a sole, and a crown; wherein the heel end isopposite the toe end; wherein the striking surface is adjacent to thetoe end and heel end; wherein the rear portion is opposite the strikingsurface and adjacent to the toe end and heel end; wherein the sole spansfrom the heel end to the toe end, and from the striking surface to therear portion; wherein the sole is positioned in a ground plane when theclub head is at an address position; and wherein the crown is oppositethe sole, and spans from the heel end to the toe end, and from thestriking surface to the rear portion.
 16. The putter-type golf club headof claim 15, wherein the body forms 100% of the crown.
 17. Theputter-type golf club head of claim 11, wherein the interlocking featurecomprises a series of through-holes that pass through one of the heelportion and the toe portion.
 18. The putter-type golf club head of claim17, wherein the series of through-holes extend in a direction selectedfrom the group consisting of: from the rear to the toe portion, from thetoe portion to the heel portion, from the front to the toe portion, andfrom the front to the heel portion.
 19. The putter-type golf club headof claim 11, wherein the body encases at least 80% of the chassis. 20.The putter-type golf club head of claim 11, wherein chassis comprises atleast 70% of an overall mass of the club head.